Wegmans, Tops Partner With Grape Farmers to Permit Wine Sales in Grocery Stores

The grocers support proposed legislation that would allow New York supermarkets to carry wine.

May 26, 2010

WESTFIELD, N.Y. - Wegmans Food Markets and Tops Markets joined with New York grape farmers to urge the legislature to pass a bill that would allow grocery stores to sell wine, the Evening Observer reports.

Westfield grape farmer Howard Ross said the measure would have a positive impact on New York grape farmers. "It would provide us with the same opportunities as currently exists in 35 other states and would provide more market outlets to sell wine," he said. "It would put a produce grown in this area on the local grocery store shelves."

Tops district manager Eric Wurl said his company backs the bill because it would assist grocery stores, wineries and grape farmers. "A customer survey indicated that 70 percent support this legislation; it€™s a win-win for everyone involved," he said.

Ann McCarthy, a consumer affairs manager for Wegmans invited individuals to her stores to check out its commitment to local producers.

License fees from allowing wine in supermarkets would bring in $300 million for the state. "This legislation will help my business grow. In order to keep this land in agriculture, we need to grow our business and remain profitable and this bill will help that happen," said Ross.

Last month, New York Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker threw his support behind the proposal. Gov. David Paterson has indicated he would sign the legislation into law.

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