By Blake Jackson
The New York Cider Association is celebrating the recent signing into law of the Direct-to-Consumer Shipment Bill for Cider and Spirits by Governor Hochul.
This groundbreaking legislation, championed by Senator Skoufis and Assemblymember Lupardo, permits New York’s cider growers, craft spirit producers, and mead makers to ship directly to customers within New York and other states with similar allowances.
Previously, during the pandemic, direct shipping was temporarily permitted but was discontinued after the Executive Orders ended.
The new law, effective in 90 days, just in time for the holiday season, will enable small cider farmers and producers to reach their customers more effectively and build their businesses.
Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association, expressed gratitude for Governor Hochul’s leadership. “After years of needing this for our emerging industry, we are so grateful for the leadership demonstrated by Governor Hochul in signing the Direct-to-Consumer Shipping Bill into law. With her signature, she has recognized the significant contribution our NY Hard Cider producers bring to the agricultural and tourism economy of their communities and to this state. This legislation not only establishes parity with the NY Wine industry but also strengthens NY Cider’s capability to build this growing category for all parties involved and respond to the consumer’s needs in a contemporary 2024 marketplace.”
Jonathan Oakes of Steampunk Cider and President of the New York Cider Association added, “As a NY Cider producer and a multi-generational apple farmer, and after years of asking for the same ability that the NY Wine industry has had for decades, I am thrilled that our industry can finally ship our products to our customers! This common-sense legislation allows us to connect directly with our customers, build our brands, and bring our full potential to the NY Cider sector.”
Sonya del Peral of Nine Pin Ciderworks and chair of NYCA’s Government Affairs Committee highlighted, “Our sincere gratitude to Governor Hochul for signing the bill in time for the upcoming holiday season which provides farm cideries the opportunity to begin offering exciting cider options not found on the shelves to New York cider fans. The establishment of this new channel of trade will position New York farm cideries to continue supporting the Empire State’s extraordinary orchards and farms – Drink NY Apples!”
The cider industry in New York has grown remarkably, expanding over 2400% in the past decade, with a $1.7 billion economic impact.
New York leads in cider production with over 125 licensed producers and ranks second nationally in apple growers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dionisvero
Categories: New York, Government & Policy