New York opens nominations to honor retailers championing locally made craft beverages

New York – New York is seeking nominations for a statewide awards program recognizing retailers that help locally produced craft beverages reach more customers. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the New York State Craft Beverage Retailer Awards to honor businesses that show creativity and commitment in promoting drinks made with ingredients grown in the state.

Nominations are open through Friday, November 20. The program focuses on the role merchants play in connecting New York’s farmers and beverage producers with consumers, from introducing shoppers to unfamiliar products to giving local brands greater visibility.

Winners will receive a “New York State Retailer Award” that they can display at their businesses and use online and in marketing materials. The recognition will highlight their efforts to showcase the state’s craft beverage industry.

“New York’s craft beverage industry is a point of pride for our state, bringing together hardworking farmers, innovative producers and small businesses that help drive our economy,” Governor Hochul said. “From neighborhood wine shops to local markets, retailers play an essential role in getting New York-made products into the hands of consumers. These awards will recognize the businesses going above and beyond to champion our homegrown producers, support local jobs and showcase the very best of what New York has to offer.”

The awards cover five categories: New York State Beer Retailer, New York State Wine Retailer, New York State Mead Retailer, New York State Liquor Retailer and New York State Cider Retailer. Up to three winners may be chosen in each category, allowing as many as 15 businesses to receive recognition.

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Businesses cannot nominate themselves. Nominations must come from industry partner organizations and advocacy associations that meet the program’s requirements. Eligible nominating organizations may recommend up to three businesses, in up to two categories.

To qualify, a retailer must be based in New York, have operated for at least two years and hold a license to sell beer, wine, mead, liquor and/or hard cider. It must also demonstrate exceptional efforts to promote beverages made with New York agricultural products and comply with all State Liquor Authority laws and regulations.

Empire State Development and the Department of Agriculture and Markets will review and score the applications. The highest-scoring retailers will then be referred to the State Liquor Authority for confirmation that they are in good standing. Following that review, nominations will go to the governor for the final selections.

“Growing New York’s craft beverage industry means ensuring our producers can reach new customers and markets. Retailers are critical to that effort, helping businesses expand their reach, build brand recognition and turn locally made products into lasting opportunities. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is strengthening these connections to help more producers succeed and further support the industry’s contributions to our state’s economy,” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said.

The program also draws attention to the agricultural businesses behind the beverages. By promoting products made with New York-grown ingredients, retailers help create connections between farms, producers and customers across the state.

“New York’s craft beverage industry boasts some of the finest local, unique, delicious products found anywhere in the world. Our retailers are a critical part of getting those beverages on the tables of more consumers, ultimately benefitting our agricultural sector and regional economies. I thank Governor Hochul and our partners for their continued efforts to connect the dots between our producers, retailers and consumers, and look forward to celebrating the winners of the Craft Beverage Retailer Awards,” New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said.

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New York has more than 1,000 licensed craft beverage producers, according to State Liquor Authority Chair Lily M. Fan. The awards will recognize retailers’ contributions to bringing those producers’ products to a wider audience.

“New York is an industry leader in craft beverages, with more than 1,000 licensed craft beverage producers across the state. We’re grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for supporting businesses that attract customers with NY grown ingredients while strengthening local economies and boosting hospitality. I look forward to celebrating the award recipients for their achievements,” Fan said.

State Senator Rachel May pointed to the experiences offered by craft beverage businesses and their role in helping consumers learn about locally made drinks.

“Central New York is home to some of the state’s finest craft beverage makers, and there’s more to them than picking up a six-pack from the store. They welcome customers for a full experience, offering the chance to learn how each beverage is made and enjoy a tasting with friends. Thank you to Governor Hochul for spotlighting these small businesses and recognizing the hard work and care that go into connecting consumers with these beverages,” May said.

Assemblymember Al Stirpe also highlighted the opportunity to raise awareness of New York products.

“These awards will highlight the best of New York’s craft beverage industry, helping to promote our state’s small businesses and educate New Yorkers about high quality, locally made products. This is especially important as New York consumers are now able to purchase direct-to-consumer shipments of New York-manufactured craft beverages,” Stirpe said.

The state’s breweries, wineries, meaderies, distilleries and cideries generate billions of dollars in annual economic activity, preserve thousands of acres of farmland and support more than 20,000 jobs statewide. Retailers contribute to that activity by making room for New York products on their shelves and menus.

Organizations planning to submit nominations can review the application requirements and program guidelines before the November 20 deadline.