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The Craft Brewing Industry Contributed $76.3 Billion to the U.S. Economy in 2021, more than 490,000 Jobs

As small and independent American craft brewers rebounded from the pandemic, so did their impact on state and local economies and craft breweries contributed $76.3 billion to the U.S. economy in 2021. The figure is derived from the total impact of beer brewed by craft brewers as it moves through the three-tier system (breweries, wholesalers, and retailers), as well as all non-beer products like food and merchandise that brewpub restaurants and brewery taprooms sell.

The industry also provided more than 490,000 total jobs, with more than 170,000 jobs directly at breweries and brewpubs, including serving staff at brewpubs.

Learn more about how these figures were calculated in the study methodology.

In addition to the national impact, the Brewers Association examined output of the craft beer industry by state, as well as the state economic contribution per capita for adults over 21.

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With a strong presence across the 50 states and the District of Columbia, even in a challenging year craft breweries are a powerful economic force at the local, state, and national level. As consumers continue to demand a wide range of high quality, full-flavored beers, small and independent craft brewers are meeting this growing demand with innovative offerings, creating high levels of economic value in the process.

Bart Watson, Brewers Association Chief Economist

Bart Watson

Chief Economist for the Brewers Association

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