Reasons Why Beer Is An Economic Lifeline For Millions

The US beer industry generates US$471 billion in economic activity annually, according to research from the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA). According to the Beer Serves America report, which underscores the economic impact of the American brewing industry, it was also revealed how the US beer sector supports 2.42 American million jobs and contributes US$58 billion in taxes. Speaking to the drinks business, Beer Institute chief economist Andrew Heritage insisted: "Beer is central to American life. Among Americans who drink alcohol, two-thirds choose beer, by far the most popular in the beverage alcohol market. When Americans celebrate holidays and occasions together, they choose beer because it offers a range of options for every occasion, from low- and no-alcohol choices to an array of styles. Beer continues to innovate to meet consumer demand, and the industry needs fair policies that reflect our impact on agriculture, retail and manufacturing throughout the country. Beer as a liquid has all the versatility it needs to sustain and adapt for future generations." Added to this, the US beer industry was also found to support well-paying jobs in every congressional district, with retail and brewing job wages landing above the national average. Additionally, every dollar invested in the beer industry has been found to generate an additional US$2.31 in the US economy. Describing the importance of the analysis, the Beer Institute's president and CEO Brian Crawford said: "The beer industry's economic footprint extends far beyond production and sales—it drives innovation across supply chains and sustains life-long careers, underscoring the importance of policies that support beer and its outsized impact on our economy. As consumer demand evolves, the industry continues to adapt, ensuring stable employment and economic contributions in communities nationwide." Pointing out the positive elements that the sector brings, the report outlined how beer doesn't just go from grain to glass and that it is owing to Americans across the nation to ensure its delivery and enjoyment. Looking at the data, it showed how nearly 135,000 distribution jobs also help to keep 950,000 retail jobs thriving with freshly packaged beers from the brewers' tanks. National Beer Wholesalers Association CEO and president Craig Purser explained: “The beer industry is a true American success story, with 135,000 beer distribution professionals proudly joining their industry partners to deliver economic growth while providing the world’s safest, most competitive beer marketplace.” In total, the report showed how beer supports: More than 43,000 US farming and agricultural jobs, which is almost 1.6% of all agricultural jobs in America; nearly 77,000 American manufacturing jobs support the production of beer and the most American jobs among beverage alcohol (41%). Heritage told db: "The findings showed how the beer industry also remains a powerhouse for local economies, supporting small businesses, farmers, truck drivers and restaurants – helping communities to thrive." Plus, as Heritage highlighted: “Beer supports jobs across the entire supply chain—from the farmers who grow barley and hops, to the brewers who craft it, to the distributors who deliver it to the places where we enjoy it. This economic impact is made possible because Americans consistently choose beer as their favorite alcohol beverage.” Lester Jones, vice president of analytics and chief economist at the NBWA added: “While the national economy sees highs and lows, the beer industry is a steady, reliable source of jobs and economic activity for communities throughout the country. When you crack open your favorite cold one, you’re supporting the beer industry that consistently contributes about 1.6% of Gross Domestic Product and employs more than 2.4 million people. That is a truly remarkable contribution year after year, and certainly worth raising a glass to.”