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Beer Industry Creating Economic Growth in U.S.

Posted on: Monday, 29 August 2005, 15:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans celebrate the Labor Day weekend, kicking back and relaxing with good food, good drinks and good friends, they can take comfort in knowing that a summer activity staple -- ice cold beer -- is also providing numerous jobs and revenue to the country's economy. According to a recent economic impact study, the beer industry is a major source of employment in the U.S.

The Beer Institute, representing American and international brewers, and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), representing nearly 2,000 beer distributors nationwide, have released a 2005 Beer Industry Economic Impact study.

According to the study's findings, directly and indirectly, the beer industry provides nearly 1.8 million jobs for hard-working Americans, generating more than $54 billion in annual wages, and more than $162 billion in U.S. economic activity.

"Numerous businesses depend on the beer industry for their livelihood. Whether it's farmers, packaging manufacturers or truck drivers, the economic impact of the beer industry grows exponentially when you factor in products and services needed for the production, distribution and sale of malt beverages," said Beer Institute President Jeff Becker.

"The economic climate of this country would be drastically different if not for the beer industry's impact," said David Rehr, NBWA president. "Nationally, brewers, wholesalers and retailers are all benefiting from the steady demand for beer and malt beverages from responsible adult consumers."

The beer industry's economic success does not just come back in revenue. In addition to providing jobs and supporting charitable and civic efforts, beer distributors and brewers are also a positive force within communities to promote responsible consumption of their products by those of legal drinking age. The industry sponsors many valuable education and awareness programs to help prevent drunk driving and fight illegal underage drinking. These activities complement many public and private initiatives that together have achieved significant reductions in underage drinking and drunk driving over a 20 year period.

The complete 2005 Beer Industry Economic Impact study, including a state- by-state and congressional district breakdown of the industry's economic contributions, is available at the Beer Serves America Web site, http://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.

Founded in 1938, the National Beer Wholesalers Association advocates before government and the public on behalf of nearly 2,000 licensed independent beer wholesalers with operations servicing every congressional district and state across the country. Beer wholesalers are committed to ensuring that the products they provide are used legally, moderately and responsibly.

The Beer Institute; National Beer Wholesalers Association

CONTACT: Marc Destito of the Beer Institute, +1-202-777-3528; orMichelle Semones of the National Beer Wholesalers Association,+1-703-683-4300

Web site: http://www.beerservesamerica.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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