New Cidery coming to Wolcott

WOLCOTT, N.Y. (WHEC) — Empire State Development announced on Tuesday that a renowned hard cider maker is expanding its operations in the town of Wolcott.

Michigan-based company Blake’s Farms has committed to expanding operations in NYS. The new site is located on Lummisville Road and is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2022—pledging to bring up to 69 new jobs in the region.

The company’s cider operation has experienced rapid growth, producing over 875,000 cases of cider or 2,000,000 gallons of cider in the last year alone, making it one of the largest hard cider producers in the nation. The family-run company distributes its products to 21 states.

ESD is supporting the company’s expansion in New York state with up to $600,000 in performance-based Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for the company’s job creation commitments. Wayne County and Cornell AgriTech are also assisting Blake Farms with the project. The total project cost has been placed at $9 million.

Blake’s Farms Co-Owner and President Andrew Blake said, “As Blake’s continues its pursuit of being the stewards of all things apples, we felt compelled to invest in regions with robust apple growing and processing traditions. We intend to be a sustainable grower, processor and fermenter of all things apples and we couldn’t be more excited about engaging with the rich apple-growing tradition found in upstate New York. We are excited at the opportunity to become a member of the Finger Lakes community and we feel this is the first step of our commitment to sustainable agriculture in the state and region.“

The investment complements "Finger Lake Forward," and the locally designed strategy of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, which focuses on supporting next-generation manufacturing and technology in the agriculture and food production industries in an effort to move the region forward.

State Senator Pam Helming said, “There is no better place to grow a cider business than Wayne County – the apple capital of New York State! From the amazing apples grown by our local farmers to the critical business development support provided by Cornell AgriTech, the Finger Lakes is a vital hub for food, beverage and agribusiness. I am thrilled to welcome Blake’s Farms to Wayne County and the 54th District. Thank you to Andrew Blake and everyone at Blake Farms for their investment in our community.”

For more information on Accelerating Finger Lakers Forward, click here.

For more information on Empire State Development, click here.