Craft beer brings jobs to New York

Craft Beer

Craft Beer in New York

New York has always been a state that appreciated good food and drink, but the Empire State’s affection for craft beer has recently been on the rise. A new report issued by the New York State Brewers Association and the New York Wine and Grape Foundation revealed that the craft brewing industry expanded by a notable 59 percent between 2013 and 2014.

Craft beer creates jobs
The Poughkeepsie Journal explained that between the end of 2012 and January 2015, the number of breweries in New York jumped from 95 to 207. The state’s rate of beer production increased by 54 percent as the area produced 859,535 barrels in 2014. The Citizen reported that the craft brewing industry added $3.5 billion and 11,000 jobs to New York’s economy in 2013.

This number encompasses 1,031 positions at craft breweries and 3,011 hospitality and tourism jobs created as a result of direct impacts from the craft brewing industry. Since many beer-enthusiasts make special trips to their favorite breweries, jobs have been created in response to their travel. Additionally, many craft-beer-only pubs have started popping up due to the popularity of these beverages. Overall, The Citizen reported that an estimated $554 million in wages is paid to workers associated with the craft brewing industry in New York every year.

Local products appeal to all 
According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, the appeal of craft beer has to do with more than just a delicious, hoppy taste. Many consumers have turned their attention back toward buying local products, including beer. People are interested in sipping on pints that were created with local ingredients in nearby communities. The source explained that the movement is similar to the shift toward gourmet, local cuisine. Many people would rather pay a little more for a unique product made by passionate breweries.

“People are moving away from the Wonder Bread and McDonald’s and moving towards local food, with the craft beer and beverage movement lagging right behind,” Adam Watson, head of sales at Sloop Brewing in Poughkeepsie, told the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Watson told the source that millennials are a large portion of his market, although the desire to sip on craft suds spans all generations. And while beer has traditionally been marketed toward men, local breweries are bringing in plenty of women who are experts on the taste and creation of the drink.