RALEIGH, N.C. — A new report from the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) reveals that the beer industry contributes significantly to North Carolina’s economy, generating $13.4 billion in total economic output.
The biennial Beer Serves America report highlights the industry’s wide-reaching influence, encompassing 71,867 jobs across sectors such as agriculture, brewing, distribution, retail, and manufacturing. While not all of these roles are exclusively tied to beer production, the report underscores the industry’s expansive economic footprint.
“This report is designed to illustrate the interconnectedness of businesses within the beer supply chain. It’s less about consumer behavior and more about the aggregate economic impact of an industry that contributes around 1.6% to the national GDP,” explained NBWA economist Lester Jones.
The report also estimates that beer-related activity accounts for $3.9 billion in wages and benefits and $1.4 billion in total tax contributions within the state.
Despite the strong figures, challenges remain for craft brewers still recovering from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers of Raleigh’s Brewgaloo festival noted that many local breweries are grappling with the financial burdens of pandemic-era loans.
Paul Auclair, CEO and founder of Deep River Brewing Company, acknowledged the ongoing difficulties. “We’re being strategic about spending and closely managing cash flow. That’s imperative for our growth and for our peers across the state,” he said.
While Auclair expressed cautious optimism, he was hesitant to predict whether the industry’s economic impact would continue to grow. “That’s a tough question,” he said. “Over the past decade, we’ve seen a surge in new breweries, and the industry has become a vital part of North Carolina’s economy. But the future remains uncertain.”
The report paints a picture of an industry that remains a substantial economic force, even as it navigates lingering financial challenges in a post-pandemic landscape.
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