New Study Shows Beer Industry Contributes $7.4 Billion Annually to Virginia Economy

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A new economic impact study shows America's beer industry, made up of brewers, beer importers, beer distributors, brewer suppliers and retailers, contributes $7.4 billion annually to Virginia's economy and is linked to 51,830 local jobs.

Jointly commissioned by the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Beer Institute, the study shows that the industry generates nearly 51,830 jobs in Virginia – accounting for $2.2 billion in wages and benefits. The industry also contributed $1.3 billion in the form of business, personal and consumption taxes in 2012.

"America's beer industry continues to play a significant role in supporting the economy in each and every state, including Virginia," said CEO of MillerCoors and Beer Institute chairman, Tom Long. "From the 53 brewers employing 1,850 people, to the roughly 14,878 licensed retailers, like supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, bars and stadiums, the beer industry is vital to local economies."

Brewers across the country remain an integral part of their communities as well, promoting alcohol responsibility programs for local retailers, schools and families in Virginia.

"As independent businesses, America's licensed beer distributors are proud to provide more than 130,000 quality jobs with solid wages and great benefits to employees in every state and congressional district across the country," said Bob Archer, president of Blue Ridge Beverage Co., Inc. in Salem, Virginia, and chairman of NBWA.

According to the study, the beer industry directly employs nearly 1.1 million people nationwide, paying nearly $31.8 billion in wages and benefits, among brewers, distributors and retailers, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, bars and stadiums. Indirectly, the industry generates nearly $153.2 billion in economic activity in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, transportation and other sectors.

"In addition to providing quality jobs with solid wages, the independent, three-tier beer distribution system provides transparency and accountability and works to ensure alcoholic beverages are sold only to licensed retailers who in turn are responsible for selling only to adults of legal drinking age," added NBWA President Craig Purser. "This time-tested system, in which America's beer distributors play a critical role, ensures that brewers of all sizes can reach a wide network of retailers and American consumers can enjoy tremendous choice and variety – 13,000 different labels of beer – at a great value."

"These numbers demonstrate that our industry continues to create solid, middle class jobs and generate important domestic revenue in an otherwise struggling economy," said Joe McClain, president of the Beer Institute. "For this reason, it is important that state and federal officials consider equitable tax policies and avoid harming an industry that is so effectively aiding economic growth."

The Beer Serves America Economic Impact study was conducted by John Dunham & Associates based in New York City and covers data compiled in 2010. The complete study, including state-by-state and congressional district breakdowns of economic contributions, is available at Beer Serves America: www.BeerServesAmerica.org. 

The Beer Institute, established in 1986, is the national trade association for the brewing industry, representing both large and small brewers, as well as importers and industry suppliers. The Institute is committed to the development of sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility: www.beerinstitute.org.

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of 3,300 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution. To learn more about America's Beer Distributors, visit http://www.nbwa.org.

SOURCE The Beer Institute