Beer industry contributes $223.8 billion to U.S. economy - study says

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Beer industry contributes $223.8 billion to U.S. economy - study says

2011-03-09 06:48:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- A new economic impact study shows America's beer industry directly and indirectly contributes $223.8 billion each year to the U.S. economy, the Beer Institute said Tuesday.

The study, which was commissioned by the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), also shows that the industry generates more than 1.8 million American jobs - accounting for $71.2 billion in wages and benefits. The industry also contributed $44.7 billion dollars in the form of business, personal and consumption taxes in 2010.

According to the study, the beer industry - which is made up of brewers, beer importers, beer distributors, brewer suppliers and retailers - directly employs more than 1 million people, paying $32.5 billion in wages.

In addition, 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 Company, 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," he added.

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