Beer generates plenty of money for the U.S. economy.
The Beer Institute and National Beer Wholesalers Association released its biennial Beer Serves America study this month, showing the industry contributes $471 billion to the economy or 1.58% of the U.S. gross domestic product.
"The beer industry's economic footprint extends far beyond production and sales — it drives innovation across supply chains and sustains lifelong careers, underscoring the importance of policies that support beer and its outsized impact on our economy," Brian Crawford, Beer Institute's president and CEO, said in a prepared statement. "As consumer demand evolves, the industry continues to adapt, ensuring stable employment and economic contributions in communities nationwide."
The report also found that the industry supports millions of jobs in the country, ranging from those employed at breweries to those at bars and restaurants serving beer to farmers producing ingredients.
“Beer is an economic powerhouse. The beer industry employs more and generates more economic output than any other segment of beverage alcohol,” Andrew Heritage, chief economist at Beer Institute, said in a prepared statement. “Beer supports jobs across the entire supply chain — from the farmers who grow barley and hops, to the brewers who craft it, to the distributors who deliver it to the places where we enjoy it. This economic impact is made possible because Americans consistently choose beer as their favorite alcohol beverage.”
2025 Beer Serves America Report by jmcnair on Scribd
How much tax revenue does the beer industry generate?
The Beer Serves America report says the industry pays $58 billion in taxes. The total taxes paid in Ohio are $1.8 billion.
"About 41% of the price of every beer goes toward taxes paid to the federal government, state governments and localities," the study reported.
What's the economic impact of beer in Ohio?
In Ohio, the beer industry provides a $17.4 billion economic impact, according to Beer Serves America. The study says the industry supports 82,590 jobs in the state, with 4,327 of those being at breweries.
Ohio is home to more than 400 breweries, including major brewers Anheuser-Busch in Columbus, Molson Coors in Trenton and Boston Beer Co. in Cincinnati.
Four of the top 50 largest craft breweries also are located in the state: Rhinegeist in Cincinnati, Great Lakes in Cleveland, BrewDog in Canal Winchester and Fat Head's in Middleburg Heights.
“Beer Serves America demonstrates the incredible success of the beer industry that provides good jobs and significant economic activity in communities across the country,” Craig Purser, president and CEO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association, said in a prepared statement. “The beer industry is a true American success story, with 135,000 beer distribution professionals proudly joining their industry partners to deliver economic growth while providing the world’s safest, most competitive beer marketplace.”