New legislation will allow New York manufacturers of mead, cider and spirits to ship directly to consumers.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law this week which will allow those who make ciders, meads and spirits to ship directly to customers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary shipping privileges had been granted to these manufacturers. The legislation signed this week makes it permanent.
“New York’s craft manufacturers create distinctive, world-class products that deserve a broader audience,” Hochul said in a statement. “This legislation levels the playing field, allowing these small producers to reach new markets and foster economic growth across the state. With this new law, we are ensuring that New York remains a national leader in craft beverages, continuing to support our local businesses, tourism, and agriculture.”
This is great for a lot of small businesses, said Master Distiller Christian Ryan of Springbrook Hallow Farm Distillery in Fort Ann.
“The whole crux of this is you don’t have to go through a distributor to have access to the market,” Ryan said. “So, they can just ship to their customers without having to go through a middleman. That doesn’t impact us as much here because we take use of that distribution channel. We use a third-party for our shipments, but for everyone else in the business, this is going to be a huge opportunity for them to be able to do this.”
New York wineries and breweries have been able to ship to customers for years, this law gives distilleries and cideries and the same opportunity, Ryan said.
“We were able to bring our case down to Albany, and our reps, they listened and understood the beneficial impact that this would have,” Ryan said. “They took all that to heart and put this together, and it’s going to be a big boost for small business in the state.”
The legislation will go into effect 90 days after it was signed.
“We are excited for our farm distillers and farm cideries who will now be able to expand their market by shipping their products directly to consumers,” New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said in a statement. “This is a lifeline for many struggling distilleries and cideries throughout the state. This will help strengthen the fruit, grain and potato industry in New York and is a huge win for agriculture.”