Pennsylvania’s liquor industry has had to deal with several economic challenges during the pandemic.

Gov. Tom Wolf this week had some good news for beer and wine makers, announcing the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board approved nearly $2 million in grants to increase production of beer and wine made in the Keystone State.

“Pennsylvania industries have to adopt new ways of doing business in the covid-19 world,” Wolf said. “These grants will provide substantial funding to help two vital parts of our agricultural community not only explore ways of improving production methods, but also boost marketing efforts that reach beyond our borders.”

The PLCB approved some $925,000 for seven beer projects including more than $94,000 for a Penn State study to find effective ways to preserve beer quality after packaging and during storage.

Penn State is also receiving about $79,000 to enhance hops pelletization for small hops growers in the state. While Pennsylvania is one of the top craft beer producers in the country, its hops industry is just emerging. The project will provide technical and economic information about on-farm hop pelletization to growers.

The Pennsylvania Winery Association will receive more than $530,000. Among other uses, the money is to be used to engage both consumers and industry members in efforts to attract new visitors to wineries and tasting rooms, plus provide marketing and engagement tools for the wine industry and its partners.

In a project recommended by both the Wine Board and the Beer Board for joint funding, the PA Cider Guild will increase awareness of local cider and craft beverage industries.

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