A booming craft beer scene is now seeing closures across New York, even as it fuels billions, according to Spectrum News. The state still boasts over 500 breweries and a $4.8 billion impact, but longtime favorites have shuttered.
Industry leaders say rapid growth was never sustainable, and the pandemic accelerated the shakeout. Competition from ready-to-drink beverages, non-alcoholic options and THC-infused products has also cut into beer sales.
Still, brewers aren’t backing down. Many are pivoting with food, events and collaborations to stay afloat, while new breweries continue to open. Advocates say the industry isn’t dying — it’s evolving.
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