BUFFALO - Sunoco announced last week the statewide expansion of its Craft Beer Exchange program in New York.

NACS Magazine wrote in the October 2011 issue that Sunoco launched its Craft Beer Exchange to its APlus Convenience Stores in late June with promising results. Sunoco chose to test the program in the greater Buffalo area because the market supports an already-established local customer base that enjoys craft beer. Empty counter space at 12 Sunoco APlus stores had been retrofitted with 12 craft beer taps and kegerators, allowing customers to take home their favorite craft beer in a 64-ounce glass growler.

Wendy Lyman, beverage category manager for Sunoco, told the Buffalo News that the retailer decided to expand the Craft Beer Exchange "based on the success we have had in the Buffalo and Rochester markets."

APlus store currently selling growlers have also been offering a "pick your own" six-pack, allowing customers to mix and match multiple brews.

The Buffalo News notes that Sunoco??s program is headed for Syracuse, followed by another 30 locations in Albany, Allegany, Essex, Monroe, Livingston, Lewis, Onondaga, Oneida and St. Lawrence counties.