Nine Pin Ciderworks Applauds State Legislature for Passage of Direct to Consumer Bill

Nine Pin Ciderworks, New York State’s first farm cidery, celebrates New York’s new Direct to Consumer Bill (S2852/A3132A) which allows for the direct intrastate and interstate shipment cider as well as liquor, mead, and braggot, just as direct shipments of wine have been permitted for decades. This new law marks a significant milestone for the craft farm beverage sector industry, paving the way for expanded sales and distribution of products made right here in New York State.

In the late hours of the extended session Friday, legislators worked diligently to pass the legislation that will provide more options for direct to consumer shipping through common carriers from cidermakers and distillers throughout the state. In the height of the pandemic in 2020, when it was imperative to be able to reach consumers with products in other ways to limit contact and lessen the spread of the virus, an experimental period of direct shipping took place for over a year. However, unlike other adaptations adopted throughout the pandemic such as package pick-up and instant shopping, to-go and delivery options, intrastate shipping of cider and spirits did not endure. Before this session, legislation proposing the intrastate shipping of cider had never even made it onto the agenda of the Assembly’s Committee on Economic Development for consideration. 

The ability to ship directly to consumers means that Nine Pin can now reach a broader audience in New York State, especially those who reside too far from Nine Pin’s tasting room, fostering growth and sustainability for the company. Customers who have long appreciated the unique flavors and quality of the New York-made cider will now have convenient access to their favorite beverages, no matter where they reside.

"This legislation not only supports our business but also strengthens the local economy by promoting New York-made products," said Alejandro del Peral, Nine Pin’s co-owner and head cidermaker. "We take great pride in sourcing our apples and other fruits from local farms and orchards, and crafting our cider with care and passion. Now, we can share the fruits of our labor with cider enthusiasts both near and far, showcasing the best of what New York has to offer."

Sonya del Peral, Nine Pin’s co-owner and general manager added, “Thanks to the overwhelming bipartisan support of the New York Legislature, New York cideries now have a critical new channel of trade opportunity through which we will continue to support New York agriculture. It is time, and it is fair. This new privilege fully supports the expressly stated important purposes of New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Law which are to support economic growth, job development, the state’s alcoholic beverage production industries and its tourism and recreation industry, and the conservation and enhancement of New York’s incredible agricultural lands.  The new law also serves our customers and tourists well – consumers will now have the ability to choose among the expanded world class options that are New York cider products through convenient on-line shopping when they are unable to visit our tasting rooms. Kudos to Assemblymembers Lupardo and Fahy as well as to Senators Skoufis and May, who have long seen the bright light that this is for New York cideries and distilleries and who have worked so hard to achieve this for our farm beverage sector.”

“The ability for our NY Cider growers and producers to direct ship to their customers in a safe and meaningful way will be a game changer for our agricultural businesses,” said Scott Ramsey, Executive Director, New York Cider Association. “We have seen the value direct shipping has added to our state’s agricultural and tourism economy from the NY Wine industry for decades and are thrilled to know the majority of our legislators support NY Cider and NY Spirits having the same opportunity to not only keep their small businesses alive but to help them thrive in their communities. Most importantly the right of all farm beverage sectors to ship will be invaluable for NY’s ownership of the craft beverage sector for all parties involved including retailers and distributors.”

“The NYS Distillers Guild is pleased to join Nine Pin in thanking Assemblymember Lupardo, Senator Skoufis, and other legislative and Executive Branch leaders for their work leading up to passage of manufacturer direct-to-consumer shipping for distilleries and cideries,” said Teresa Casey, Executive Director of the NYS Distillers Guild. Once signed into law, this measure will allow all of New York’s craft beverage producers to get their products into the hands of consumers who want them throughout the Empire State and beyond. This is a logical progression of New York’s forward-looking enactment of farm beverage licenses, which by definition celebrate the state’s fantastic agricultural products, and positions all of our producers to grow and thrive.”

Cider connoisseurs may enjoy Nine Pin’s ciders seven days a week in their Albany Tasting Room, located in the City’s Warehouse district, and from retailers across New York State, Massachusetts and New Jersey, as well as at bars and restaurants who proudly carry Nine Pin products. Residents in other states may purchase Nine Pin’s ciders through Nine Pin’s online store. 

For more information about Nine Pin, visit, www.ninepincider.com. 

About Nine Pin Ciderworks. Nine Pin Ciderworks (“Nine Pin”) is New York’s first farm cidery. Founded in 2013 and based in New York’s capital city, Albany, Nine Pin cider products are sold in hundreds of bars, restaurants and retailers throughout New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nine Pin produces all their ciders from New York apples, primarily sourced from the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, in its 24,000 sq. ft. cidery facility and Tasting Room in Albany’s Warehouse District. Consider the Apple®, and Drink New York Apples®. www.ninepincider.com.