New York has recorded a 105% rise in alcoholic beverage manufacturers compared to 2011, with the government’s initiative to encourage farm-based businesses.
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that the number of farm-based businesses producing alcoholic beverages using locally sourced ingredients has increased by 100% since 2011.
Around 57 new farm breweries and seven new farm cideries have been opened in the state, after Cuomo has announced 2012 Farm Brewery law which came into effect in January 2013.
The state has 104 microbreweries, a 160% increase from 40 in 2011. The number of restaurant brewers or brewpubs has increased from 10 in 2011 to 33, marking a 230% increase.
With the addition of seven new farm cideries, New York now has 29 hard cider manufacturers, an increase of 480% from five in 2011.
The number of farm wineries has increased by nearly 50%from 195 in 2011 to 291, while the number of farm distilleries has increased 450%, from 10 in to 55.
The manufacturers of alcoholic beverages are required to use certain levels of locally grown ingredients.
Cuomo said: "From Long Island to the Finger Lakes, these local businesses support jobs and economic activity in both agriculture and tourism, and investing in them means investing in New York's future.
"I am thrilled by the tremendous growth that our craft beverage industry has seen over the past few years, and I believe that the best truly is yet to come."