Held during the New York State Craft Brewers Association Conference in Albany, the proclamation reflects growing recognition of the sector's influence on job creation, supply chain development, and regional revitalization. The announcement also included the awarding of the 2025 Governor’s Excelsior Craft Beer Cup to Grimm Artisanal Ales of Brooklyn, underscoring the quality and creativity that define New York’s brewing scene.
New York’s craft breweries are now economic mainstays in both metropolitan areas and rural regions. As hubs of activity, they drive foot traffic to downtowns, serve as tourism destinations, and support a web of suppliers ranging from construction and logistics to local farms.
“Breweries bring energy into our downtown areas, while supporting jobs and local economies,” said Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight. “New York Craft Beer Day is a perfect opportunity to raise a glass and celebrate the New Yorkers who brew the distinctive drafts and support the small businesses that keep our communities quenched.”
To accelerate growth, recent legislation spearheaded by Governor Hochul has allowed breweries to renew their licenses every three years, reducing regulatory costs by 30% and minimizing administrative burdens. Temporary operating permits have also helped breweries launch more quickly—cutting license wait times from six months to under 30 days.
The state’s brewing boom is deeply intertwined with New York’s agricultural vitality. As demand for locally sourced hops, barley, and grains increases, the craft beer industry has become a reliable partner for farmers and researchers alike. In the FY 2024–2025 budget, the state allocated more than $650,000 to Cornell’s Geneva Barley and hops breeding programs. These initiatives are developing disease-resistant, climate-resilient crop varietals tailored for Northeast growing conditions.
“Craft beer is creating jobs, contributing to the economic resurgence of our upstate communities, and keeping New York ingredients in New York products,” said State Senator Michelle Hinchey, emphasizing the sector’s farm-to-glass impact.
Craft brewers have also benefited from Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to modernize outdated alcohol regulations. In 2024, New York passed legislation allowing small producers of cider, spirits, and mead to ship directly to consumers—a move that expands market access and strengthens independent producers.
“Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and collaboration with our industry partners, we are helping brewers across New York produce more, sell more, and grow faster,” said State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan.
Meanwhile, programs like Taste NY and New York State Grown & Certified continue to amplify local beverage producers through curated events at state fairs, sports venues, and retail locations—introducing New York’s craft beer to more than 1.2 million consumers in 2024 alone.
The Official New York State Craft Beer App, created by the NYS Brewers Association, now offers consumers a centralized tool to discover local breweries, log visits, and earn exclusive badges like the “Inaugural New York Craft Beer Day Badge.” This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to helping small businesses build digital loyalty and attract tourism.
From policy reform and agricultural support to economic development and tourism, New York’s craft beer industry is a powerful example of how small businesses can fuel broad-scale impact. As Assemblymember Donna Lupardo summed up: “Some of the finest craft beer in the country can be found in every region of the state.”
