By Blake Jackson
The New York Cider Association hosted the inaugural NY Cider Festival NYC on November 16th, 2024. The event, held in Hudson Yards, Manhattan, drew over 600 cider enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious consumers.
It marked a significant moment for the New York cider industry, as the recent passage of the Direct-to-Consumer Shipping bill has opened up new opportunities for cideries to reach a wider audience.
The festival showcased the diversity and quality of New York's cider offerings, featuring 24 cideries from across the state.
Attendees had the chance to sample a wide range of ciders, from classic styles to innovative blends, and learn about the unique characteristics of each.
"This past Saturday was the first day when the Empire State's new Direct-to-Consumer shipping law for cideries and craft distilleries went into effect. It was exhilarating to be able to celebrate this achievement with so much excitement and enthusiasm at the first NY Cider Festival NYC hosted by The New York Cider Association," said Lily Fan, Chair of the New York State Liquor Authority. "All New Yorkers should take joy and pride in the fact that the NY Cider industry is a leader in the country in both quality and quantity. We at the State Liquor Authority are immensely proud to continue to boost the vitality of our agricultural manufacturer licensees and look forward to continuing our work together in the coming years."
“The NY Cider Festival NYC was not only a celebration of our state’s unique cider community but also a historic moment for our industry. The ability for our growers and producers to direct ship to their customers is a game-changer for our cideries, giving them a powerful new avenue to grow their businesses, expand the viability of this agricultural industry, and connect directly with cider lovers everywhere," said Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association.
The NY Cider Festival NYC was a resounding success, highlighting the growing popularity of New York cider and the bright future of the state's cider industry.
Photo Credit: istock-rixipix
Categories: New York, General