The craft brewing industry contributed $67.8 billion to the US economy in 2016, new figures from The Brewers Association (BA) have revealed.
BA’s biennial analysis showed that the impact of craft beer on the economy was 21.7% higher than 2014, as the craft boom continues.
The association said 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 that bars and restaurants sell.
Craft brewers were also responsible for more than 456,373 full-time equivalent jobs, a 7.5% increase on 2014, with 128,768 jobs directly at breweries and brewpubs, including serving staff at brewpubs.
In terms of output by state, the top five were: California, Pennsylvania, Texas, New York and Florida.
BA chief economist Bart Watson said: “Craft breweries are a vibrant and flourishing economic force at the local, state and national level. As consumers continue to demand a wide range of high quality, full-flavoured beers, small and independent craft brewers are meeting this growing demand with innovative offerings, creating high levels of economic value in the process.”
Figures released last month by BA revealed that the booming growth of the US craft industry may be beginning to slow, with volume increasing by 5% during the first half of 2017, compared to 8% for the same period last year.
As of 30 June, there were 5,562 breweries operating in the US, an increase of 906 on June last year.
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