Stockton professors examine craft beer’s impact on N.J. economy

Professors at Stockton University at looking at how the $1.24 billion craft beer industry — as well as distilleries — can be a force for economic development in the Garden State.Professors at Stockton University at looking at how the $1.24 billion craft beer industry — as well as distilleries — can be a force for economic development in the Garden State.

“Distilleries in New Jersey are contributing to a sense of place in New Jersey,” said Christina Cavaliere, an assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management at Stockton, in Galloway.

She said the national trend contributes to other industries, including hospitality and agriculture, according to a statement from the university.

“A purchase is a political act,” Cavaliere said. “People are looking to taste the place they are in.”

Caveliere and Donna Albano, an associate professor at Stockton, are looking at the sociological, political and ecological impact of beverage tourism after the 2013 licensing law that revised statutes for alcohol, wine, distilled spirits and beer, and allowed sales of the products after tours of facilities.

There were 12 breweries in New Jersey at the time. Since then, the number has been growing.

Last year, Don Russell, executive director of the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild, told NJBIZ there were about 50 breweries and predicted there would be “over 60 by the end of the year and probably closer to 70.”

According to Jason Carty, executive director of the New Jersey Brewers Association, there are now 74 craft breweries, 12 brewpubs and 16 distilleries in the state.