Business joins latest initiative of HVEDC
NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (April 2, 2012) – Tuthilltown Spirits, New York’s first whiskey distillery since the days of Prohibition, has joined the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance as a founding member.
The distillery, located in Gardiner, produces five whole-grain spirits that make use of raw materials grown at local farms and orchards. Its product line includes vodka made from Hudson Valley apples, as well as rum and cassis from local currants. By acquiring raw materials from local farms, Tuthilltown Spirits is able to reduce fuel consumption and eliminate inefficiencies, which means higher profits for the region’s growers. Thus, visitors to the distillery can make a direct connection to local farms and orchards.
“We believe that hospitality and food businesses are important to the Hudson Valley,” said Ralph Erenzo, co-founder of Tuthilltown Spirits Farm Distillery. “Supporting the Food & Beverage Alliance puts us in a position to improve our own business and help the economy grow by working with other producers to strengthen the food and beverage industry, help New York farmers and create jobs.”
The Food & Beverage Alliance focuses on helping food and beverage companies in the region work together as strong partners and market their products all over the United States. Launched by the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC), the organization includes food businesses, farmers, vegetable growers, beverage makers, distributors and other organizations in the industry.
In working with the Alliance, Tuthilltown Spirits hopes to contribute to the organization’s comprehensive approach to promoting the products offered by Hudson Valley businesses through enhanced cooperation among the region’s various hospitality and farming interests.
“We are very happy to welcome Tuthilltown Spirits to the Food & Beverage Alliance, as we believe that they will be a very important partner as we move forward,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of the HVEDC. “We look forward to working with the team at Tuthilltown Spirits in promoting the great things happening in the Hudson Valley food and beverage industry.”
Tuthilltown Spirits will be represented in the Food & Beverage Alliance by Erenzo and Co-founder Brian Lee. The distillery continues to experiment with new fruit and grains in its products, and its recent Hudson Valley Apple Brandy project involved grafting 300 apple trees with Old World-style cider apples.
“Tuthilltown Spirits is a growing and thriving business in Ulster County that sells its products internationally,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. “The company is a wonderful example of the fine businesses in Ulster County. We are proud to see Tuthilltown Spirits become a founding member of the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance where they will have the opportunity to support other food and beverage companies throughout the Hudson Valley.”
About Tuthilltown Spirits: Tuthilltown Spirits distills vodkas and whiskeys from local apples and grain from in the Hudson Valley, as well as rum, eau de vie, brandy, absinthe and infusions. It welcomes guests for tastings during store hours, and tours are offered by appointment. The distillery is located at 14 Grist Mill Lane in Gardiner, N.Y. To learn more, visit http://www.tuthilltownspirits.com.
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC): HVEDC represents seven counties in Hudson Valley. This public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC also helped start the branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley. For more information on Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation or to review available business sites, visit http://www.HVEDC.com or call CEO Mike Oates at 845-220-2244.
