Craft brewers’ economic contribution reaches $34 billion in 2012

According to a new analysis by the Brewers Association (BA) — the not-for-profit trade association that represents the majority of U.S. breweries — small and independent American craft brewers contributed $33.9 billion to the U.S. economy in 2012. 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 brewpub restaurants sell.

“With a strong presence across the 50 states and the District of Columbia, craft breweries are a vibrant and flourishing economic force at the local, state and national level,” said Bart Watson, staff economist, Brewers Association. “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.”

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

Top Five States (2012)
State 2012                  Output

1. California            $4.7 billion
2. Texas                   $2.3 billion
3. New York            $2.2 billion
4. Pennsylvania      $2.0 billion
5. Colorado             $1.6 billion

Top Five States in Age 21+ Output per Capita (2012)
State 2012               Output/Capita
1. Oregon                    $448.56
2. Colorado                 $436.50
3. Vermont                 $418.57
4. Maine                     $324.36
5. Montana                $315.37