A newly released report highlights the important role the beer industry plays in our country’s economic activity. According to the National Beer Wholesalers Association, who released the report, the beer industry plays a vital role in the economic wellbeing of the country through generating economic activity, tax revenue and the provision of direct employment.

“It can be said that beer truly serves America. Beer is more than our nation’s favorite adult drink – it is a powerhouse in job creation, commercial activity and tax revenue,” said Jim McGreevy, president and CEO of the Beer Institute, which released the study jointly with NBWA.

According to the report, over 130,000 direct jobs are provided across more than 3,300 facilities through the U.S.  by licensed beer distributors. The report also showed that the beer industry, overall, contributed 252.6 billion to the economy, representing 1.5% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. Additionally, $48.5 billion in tax revenue was generated by the production and sale of beer and malt beverages.

In Michigan, beer wholesalers provided 4,250 direct jobs and a total economic impact of $610,612,400. The beer industry, as a whole, provided employment to over 35,000 individuals and had a total impact over $2.6 million within the state. Roughly $800,000,000 was generated in taxes, both business and personal, from the industry. Accounting for direct and induced economic impacts, the beer industry provided over 58,000 jobs and over $6.6 million in output in Michigan.

 The industry continues to grow at quite a clip, with the number of distributor jobs growing by over 20% in the past 10 years. In addition to the direct employment offered by these distributorships in the community, independent beer distributors play a key role in the community. Through partnerships, sponsorships and business-to-business commerce, additional revenue is generated within the community. 

As a beer wholesaler, West Side Beer Distributing is excited to actively provide a direct, positive impact to local, statewide and national economies.

For more details regarding the study, read the press release in full, here. Or, go to www.beerservesamerica.org for additional and state-by-state statistics.