E-Malt.com News article: USA: Beer adds US$1.7 billion to New Jersey economy

According to an economic impact study conducted by John Dunham & Associates and sponsored by the National Beer Wholesalers Association and Beer Institute, the beer industry generates US$1.757.808.606 annually in wages and benefits and contributes $4.975.183.981 to New Jersey's economy, Courier Post reflected September 03.

"This study demonstrates that the beer industry is more than just those who make and distribute our products," said Jeff Becker, president of the Beer Institute. "We are an industry of farmers, can manufacturers, truck drivers, retailers and many others located in virtually every state and local community across the country."

There are 48,333 state citizens employed either directly or indirectly within the industry.

The U.S. brewing industry is a dynamic part of US national economy, contributing billions of dollars in wages and taxes. An indication of beer’s importance is its inclusion in the basket of goods the government uses to calculate the Consumer Price Index.
The industry today includes more than 2,400 brewers and beer importers, 1,908 beer wholesalers, and 551,000 retail establishments. The industry’s economic ripple effect benefits packaging manufacturers, shipping companies, agriculture, and other businesses whose livelihood depends on the beer industry.

Directly and indirectly, the beer industry employs approximately 1.78 million Americans, paying them $54 billion in wages and benefits. The industry pays over $30 billion in business, personal and consumption taxes, including $9.2 billion in excise taxes.

The industry’s contributions to US economy continue to grow. In 2004, the industry recorded its seventh straight year of growth, hitting an all-time record in shipments from brewers to wholesalers.

Consumer interest in beers, ales, and other malt beverages also grows. Today there are more than 3,500 malt beverage brands, more than three times the number of a decade ago. Because of the growing popularity of microbreweries and brewpubs, there are now five times more breweries in the country than a decade ago.

U.S. brewers also continue to develop growing markets abroad, now exporting products to nearly 100 countries.


06 September, 2006