NY craft cideries and distilleries to ship products directly to consumers

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---Just in time for the holidays, New York's craft cideries and distilleries will be able to ship their products directly to New Yorkers, as well as to consumers in other states with similar alcohol laws.

"We are rejoicing over this," said Sonya del Peral, co-owner of Nine Pin Cider Works. "It means a whole new channel of trade for us. It also means modern day options for consumers and it brings so much more choice to the consumer."

During the pandemic, these businesses were granted temporary shipping privileges.

"It was a lifeline for many, many of our incredible New York cideries across the state," explained del Peral.

According to Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, the products were delivered safely and securely.

"From that experience, we learned that it did not hurt local businesses, because many liquor stores aren’t carrying these products in the first place," said Lupardo.

The legislation has faced some opposition.

"We are very concerned that huge international, multinational distilleries are going to use this opportunity to ship their products across the boarders into New York and sell directly to consumers, which would hurt not only myself, but the wholesalers and just upset the marketplace," said Mike Correra, Executive Director of Metro Package Store Association.

Despite lobbying efforts, the bill passed the state legislature and was signed by the governor earlier this week. It will go into effect in November.

According to Governor Hochul's Office, New York has the most craft cideries in the country.

"Not only does purchasing our cider help our company," said del Peral. "But in turn, that purchase supports our extraordinary orchards and farms."