59% Rise in Craft Beer Industry in NY between 2013 and 2014

Relaxed regulations have helped the craft beer industry in New York to grow at a significant pace in the recent years. A report released on Thursday has found that the industry in the state has improved 59% between 2013 and 2014.

The state Brewers Association and the New York Wine and Grape Foundation funded report has found that the number of craft breweries has increased by more than double from January 2012 to January 2015. The surge in number of breweries is from 95 to 207.

Chris Crocco, general manager at Mill House Brewing Company in Poughkeepsie, was of the view that craft beer is immensely popular. He has seen people from all walks of life to have this beer. Crocco shared that a majority of patrons at the pub range from 21 to 45 and women are also making up a large number of it.

In 2012, New York passed a regulation that brought a decline in licensing fees and also provided many incentives to the spirits and beer industry. The regulations also offered freedom to sell bottles when they are conducting tasting.

The Stonebridge Research Group, based in Napa, California, authored report said that the craft beer industry is responsible for 6,552 jobs in New York. It has a $3.5 billion economic impact.

"We have said time and time again that New York produces some of the best craft beverages anywhere, and this report backs up exactly why we are focusing on growing these breweries", said Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Experts affirmed that Cuomo has been taking steps and has started Taste NY in order to promote New York-made products. He had attended many meeting with industry leaders and is also planning to expand this year's budget with regard to tax exemptions for tastings by New York breweries.