U.S. Beer Industry Employs 1.8 Million

The U.S. beer industry currently provides nearly 1.8 million jobs, a trade group said Monday.

The Beer Institute, representing U.S. and international brewers and the National Beer Wholesalers Association, said the industry generates 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 Jeff Becker, president of the Beer Institute.