"Yesterday, the press office of Governor Kathy Hochul put out a post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, proclaiming "New York is now The Hard Cider Capital of the World." Below the message, a photo was attached boasting that the Empire State has more active cideries than any of its 49 U.S. state competitors, as well as highlighting the significant growth in the industry over the past decade."
"The second half of the statement attached to the governor's post presents a plan to continue growing the cider industry in the state with the intent to turn it into an agri-tourism pilgrimage for lovers of fermented apple juice. The hope is to draw visitors from around the country - and, seemingly, the world - to visit the orchards and tasting rooms where these apples are grown and ciders made, celebrating a beverage with a long history in both the state and the country."
New York promotes itself as the Hard Cider Capital, citing a high number of cideries and rapid industry growth, but that designation is premature. The state contains many apple orchards and hard cider brands and aims to expand agri-tourism by encouraging visits to orchards and tasting rooms. Hard cider was once a colonial staple, yet U.S. consumption and production now lag behind several countries. France, particularly Normandy and Brittany, remains the largest cider producer with a long-established tradition. The New York cider industry could grow, but current production and global standing do not support a world-capital claim.
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