New York State produces great wine, beer, cider and spirits, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo would like more people to know about it.
Cuomo announced at New York”™s first Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit plans for a new marketing campaign and regulatory reforms, designed to boost business for beverage producers.
“Over the past 22 months, my administration has focused on opening New York’s doors to business and improving our state’s business climate to support growing industries so we can create jobs and grow the economy,” Cuomo said in a press release. “New York’s vibrant beer, wine, cider and spirits industry supports thousands of jobs across the state and is a major driver of tourism in many communities.”
Westchester is home to a handful of breweries and wineries including Captain Lawrence in Elmsford and Prospero Winery in Pleasantville.
Plans include a $1 million advertising campaign that could increase to $5 million if the industry matches the cost, and will also hold marketing events similar to restaurant weeks. The state also said they will look into ways to ensure that alcoholic beverages sold at New York Racing Association tracks are produced in New York.
The Empire State Development will also develop a one-stop shop so businesses can easily deal with state agencies on various issues. The state will also end the prohibition against multiple manufacturing licenses at the same locations and allow manufactures to sell bottles when they are conducting tastings.
New York has more than 450 wineries, breweries, cideries, with an economic impact of $22 billion. New York ranks third in wine and grape production, second in distilleries and has three of the top 20 breweries in the country.
