PRESS RELEASE / November 22, 2024 (Framingham, MA) – After six years and three legislative sessions, the Massachusetts craft beer industry is celebrating a major milestone: breweries across the Commonwealth can now sell their products at farmers markets, joining cider and wine producers. This change is made possible by Governor Healey’s signing of the sweeping Economic Development bill yesterday.
The legislation provides craft breweries equal access to local markets, allowing direct sales to consumers for off-site consumption. Previously, breweries could only offer samples at agricultural events or obtain permits for beer gardens where pints were consumed on-site. The inability to sell to-go products at farmers markets limited opportunities for breweries to showcase their beers and connect with their communities.
“This is a monumental step forward for more than 230 breweries across Massachusetts,” said Adam Romanow, president of the Mass Brewers Guild and founder and CEO of Castle Island Brewing Co. “Farmers markets offer an invaluable platform to connect with customers, support local agriculture, and promote taproom visits. We’re thrilled for our craft beer community to have this new avenue for sales and visibility.”
Beyond driving brewery growth, the measure is expected to create jobs across the state and strengthen ties between breweries and local farms. Many breweries source ingredients such as malt and hops from Massachusetts farms, and this expanded access will enable them to deepen these partnerships, fostering a more interconnected, resilient economy.
“When breweries succeed, the ripple effect benefits farmers, suppliers, and everyone involved in bringing local craft beer to life,” Romanow added. “This law supports small businesses, stimulates job creation, and enhances community connections. We extend our heartfelt thanks and raise our glasses to the Healey/Driscoll administration, House Speaker Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, House Majority Leader Michael Moran, and Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem. We also applaud the hard work of the Economic Development conference committee led by Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and Chairman Barry Finegold. Advancement of this measure would not be possible without our passionate original bill sponsors Senator Jaime Eldridge and Representative Adam Scanlon as well as our numerous co-sponsors and various committees who championed this legislation.”
The Mass Brewers Guild is the state’s non-profit trade association dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of Massachusetts craft brewers. Through advocacy, education, and community-building efforts, the Guild supports its members and ensures a thriving beer culture in the Commonwealth. For more information, visit massbrewersguild.org.
