Beer Industry Pumps $223B Into U.S. Economy

WASHINGTON -- A new study commissioned by the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) reveals the beer industry contributes $223.8 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Collectively brewers, beer importers, beer distributors, brewer suppliers and retailers generate more than 1.8 million jobs in the country, which account for $71.2 billion in wages and benefits. In addition, the beer industry also contributed $44.7 billion in the form of business, personal and consumption taxes in 2010.

"Brewers across the country, large and small, remain an integral part of their communities. Not only do they promote alcohol responsibility program for local retailers, schools and families, this study shows they also create sustainable jobs and important tax revenues that contribute to our nation's economy," explained Dave Peacock, president of Anheuser-Busch and chairman of the Beer Institute. "America's brewing industry continues to play a significant role in supporting the economy in each and every state."

According to the study, the beer industry directly employs more than one million people, paying $32.5 billion in wages. Beer sales help support roughly 900,000 retail jobs, including those at supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, stadiums and other outlets. Supplier and induced impacts generate nearly $135.7 billion in economic activity in all industries, specifically agriculture and manufacturing.

"As independent businesses, America's 3,300 licensed beer distributors are proud to provide more than 98,000 quality jobs with solid wages and great benefits to employees in every state and congressional district across the country," said Larry Del Papa, president and CEO of Del Papa Distributing Co. Inc. in Galveston, Texas, and chairman of NBWA. "Beer distributors are deeply rooted in their local markets, so it's only natural that they work hard to keep their communities safe -- especially by fighting underage drinking and drunk driving."

The Economic Impact study was conducted by John Dunham & Associates based in New York City and covers data compiled in 2010. The complete study, including state-by-state and congressional district breakdowns of economic contributions, is available at Beer Serves America.