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'Beer economy'
Industry study shows beer contributes $144 billion a year to U.S. economy
Apr 15, 2003 - The beer industry contributes more than $144 billion per year to the United States economy according to a new report released by the Beer Institute, an industry trade group representing America's brewers, and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), representing over two thousand independent beer wholesalers in the U.S.
The results are found in the 2003 Beer Industry Economic Impact Study, which uses the most recent data to calculate the significant impact of the beer industry on the economy — the first update since 1997. "These figures once again demonstrate that the beer industry is one of the principal economic engines that drives the U.S. economy, creating 1.6 million direct and indirect jobs and providing American workers with nearly $48 billion in annual wages," said Jeff Becker, president of the Beer Institute. "The economic contribution of the 'beer economy' is a testament to the commitment to excellence of the industry and its workers." The positive contributions of the industry extend to more than simply extra economic output for the country, but also to state and federal tax revenue, estimated at $27.6 billion, generated by the industry and its consumers. Moreover, the benefits of the beer industry extend throughout the whole country — from the farmer in North Dakota to the brewery workers in California, Texas, New York, Wisconsin, Missouri, Colorado, Florida, and others, where the industry has a substantial economic presence. NBWA President David Rehr said, "This study reaffirms the beer industry's preeminence as a critical economic sector in the nation, not just through its direct impact, but also in the massive economic ripple effects it creates. The beer wholesaler community is proud to be an integral part of assuring the vibrancy of the industry." For a state-by-state breakdown of economic impacts as well as other related information, visit www.beerservesamerica.org.
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