(Courtesy Grok AI)

Beer is more than just a beloved beverage—it’s a powerhouse for the global economy. And according to a recent study, the beer industry contributes a staggering $878 billion annually, generating jobs, tourism, and government revenues worldwide.

Here’s the deal….

On February 4, the World Brewing Alliance, which represents the brewing industry on the global stage, announced that the beer industry delivered a remarkable $878 billion to the global GDP (the measure of a country’s economic input) in 2023.

The study, conducted by Oxford Economics, is the largest ever undertaken on the economic impact of the brewing industry, including numbers from 185 countries, 76 in detail. The study which presented an expansive  global overview of the brewing industry’s contribution from raw materials to cold beer, found that the sector supports 33 million jobs, an amazing one in every 100 jobs globally.

Other significant contributions to global GDP from the report include:

• Supporting Public Finances: The beer sector contributed $376B in taxes through beer production, sales, and employment in 2023.
• Local Economy: 86% of brewers’ supplier spending is in businesses in the same country as the beer is produced (global average).
• Emerging Markets: Income in low-and lower-middle income countries has seen a 27% boost in GDP contribution and a 24% increase in jobs generated by the brewing industry between 2015 and 2023.
• Jobs Supported: Globally, the beer sector now supports one in every 100 jobs (33M). Of those, just one in 52 are directly employed by brewers, highlighting the magnitude of roles in other industries.
• Agricultural Employment: Of the 33M jobs sustained, one in five agriculture jobs are supported by or associated with the global beer sector.

“The beer industry has a huge, positive impact on the global economy, supporting a robust value chain that includes farmers, bottlers, shippers, and the hospitality sector,” said Justin Kissinger, World Brewing Alliance President and CEO…. “What makes beer unique is that it is deeply rooted within its local markets, benefiting local economies and communities.”

“Beer is local through and through. Economically, the vast majority of revenue for beer stays in the country where it’s consumed. Socially, beer is made with local ingredients and local styles and enjoyed as a part of customs and traditions all around the world,” Kissinger added “And this report shows that beer is not just one of the most enjoyed drinks around the world, but one of the most valuable industries too.”