In 2011, New York state was home to five hard cider-makers. Now, it boasts 29.
The significant increase is part of an overall uptick in the number of alcohol producers in the state, as more and more consumers turn to locally produced beer, wine and spirits.
The number of microbreweries is up from 40 in 2011 to 104 this year. The state also has 57 new farm breweries, 100 new farm wineries and 24 new farm cideries, which are allowed to operate retail outlets, restaurants and tastings in exchange for using New York apples, grapes and other local ingredients. The number of distilleries is up from 10 in 2011 to 55 this year.
“The craft beverage industry is one of New York’s greatest success stories, and we are doing everything we can in state government to keep the tremendous growth seen by our wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries going strong,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
The growing industry reflects a national trend. The number of breweries around the nation has doubled in the past decade to around 3,000. New York state now ranks 6th in the nation.