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CONTACT: Scott Ramsey

PHONE: (646) 772-5871

EMAIL: scott@newyorkcider.org

NY CIDER CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

AT NY SENATE CIDER DAY

Senator May and Assemblywoman Lupardo Honor the Association with Resolutions

(Albany, NY_May 27, 2025) Last week, the New York Cider Association was honored at the State Capitol during NY Senate Cider Day, a milestone moment celebrating a decade of progress for NY Cider’s industry. The occasion marked not only ten years of statewide industry advocacy and growth, but also the recent and hard-fought success of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) shipping for spirits and cider, a game-changing win for NY’s farm-based producers. In recognition of this pivotal anniversary, Senator Rachel May and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo introduced resolutions that were adopted by both chambers of the New York State Legislature, honoring the Association and its members’ contributions to New York agriculture, small business, and craft beverage innovation.

“NY Senate Cider Day at the Capitol was more than a celebration – it was a well-deserved moment of pride and reflection for our members. For ten years, this Association has worked tirelessly side-by-side with cider makers, growers, industry partners, and legislators to deliver on our mission of cultivating this industry. The resolutions from Senator May and Assemblywoman Lupardo reaffirm that cider has a powerful story to tell, and New York is the best place to tell it,” said Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association.

“Upstate New York is a prime location for apple growing, and we are fortunate to have many orchards and apple products in our region, including hard cider. We celebrate the 10th anniversary of the New York State Cider Association, which has worked hard to advocate for the cider industry. Cider is now thriving, thanks to their relentless efforts and recent legislation allowing direct shipment to consumers. I was thrilled to welcome cideries from all over New York to my annual ‘New York State of Cider’ celebration. This event is a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to have such exceptional cideries producing some of the best hard cider in the country,” said Senator Rachel May.

“Here’s to the NY Cider Association on their 10th Anniversary! As a co-sponsor of the original Farm Cidery Law of 2013, I am thrilled to see NY Cider’s amazing growth, with nearly 100 active producers. The Association is to be commended for helping build NY’s successful cider industry, including their work with me on legislation allowing Direct-to-Consumer shipment of their products,” said Assemblymember Donna Lupardo.

"New York's cideries sit at the intersection of tourism, agriculture, and small business, and direct-to-consumer shipping was a correction after years of the state ignoring what our hardworking small business owners needed. I'm glad to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the New York Cider Association in the legislature as well as the continued success of this important piece of legislation,” said Senator James Skoufis.

NY Senate Cider Day featured tastings from NY Cider makers across the state, showcasing the diversity, craft, and regional flavor of ciders made from New York grown apples. Legislators and staff were invited to meet producers, taste their offerings, and learn more about the industry’s economic and agricultural impact from rural job creation and land stewardship to culinary tourism and beyond.

About the New York Cider Association

The New York Cider Association is celebrating ten years as the statewide trade organization representing cider makers, growers, and their industry stakeholders across the NY Cider ecosystem. Through market development programming, education, and legislative advocacy, the Association works to support a vibrant cider industry rooted in agriculture and built for growth. Learn more by downloading the NY Cider Trail app or visit www.newyorkcider.org