POP GOES THE BUSINESS
The U.S. alcohol and wine industry significantly contributes to the nation's economy, supporting millions of jobs across various sectors. Here's an overview of employment figures within this industry:
Overall Alcohol Beverage Industry:
Total Employment: The alcohol beverage industry sustains over 4 million jobs nationwide.
Tax Contributions: This sector generates nearly $70 billion in annual tax revenue.
Wine Industry:
Direct Employment: The wine industry directly employs approximately 1,007,459 people.
Ancillary Employment: Suppliers and ancillary industries related to wine production and distribution support an additional 364,234 jobs.
Total Employment Impact: In total, the wine industry supports around 1.84 million jobs across the country.
Beer Industry:
Total Employment: The beer industry supports nearly 2.4 million American jobs.
Economic Contribution: It contributes more than $409 billion to the U.S. economy.
Distillery Industry:
Employment Growth: From 2001 to 2021, the distillery industry added 14,786 jobs, marking a 214% increase over two decades.
Total Employment: As of 2021, the distillery sector employed over 21,700 individuals.
Retail Sector (Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores):
Employment Figures: As of 2024, there were 207,774 people employed in beer, wine, and liquor stores across the U.S.
Economic Impact: In 2018, beer, wine, and spirits retailers created approximately 2.03 million jobs, contributing over $122.63 billion in direct economic impact.
Overall Alcoholic Beverage Imports:
In 2022, the U.S. imported $26.6 billion worth of foreign-produced alcoholic beverages, accounting for 14% of all U.S. agricultural imports.
Imports from the European Union:
European wines and spirits constitute a substantial portion of U.S. alcohol imports.
In 2024, the U.S. imported approximately $6.8 billion of wine, with 80% sourced from the EU.
Specifically, in 2023, the U.S. imported over $1.7 billion worth of Champagne from the EU.
Imports from Canada:
Canada is a notable supplier of bulk wine to the U.S.
Over 40% of the bulk wine imported by the U.S. comes from Canada, at an average price of approximately $26 per hectoliter.
Distilled Spirits:
European Union (EU): In 2024, the U.S. exported approximately $1.23 billion of distilled spirits to the EU, making it the largest market for U.S. spirits.
Canada: U.S. distilled spirits exports to Canada totaled $220.64 million in 2024.
Mexico: Exports to Mexico amounted to $125.8 million in 2024.
Wine:
Canada: In 2023, the U.S. exported $433.65 million worth of wine to Canada.
European Union: While the EU is a significant exporter of wine to the U.S., the volume of U.S. wine exports to the EU is comparatively smaller. In 2023, the EU was the largest export market for U.S. spirits, but specific figures for wine exports were not detailed.
Other Alcoholic Beverages:
Canada: The U.S. exported $875.47 million worth of non-alcoholic beverages containing added sugar or flavor to Canada in 2024.
The United States exports a variety of distilled spirits globally, with American Whiskey leading the category. Below is an overview of the top U.S. liquor exports and their primary international markets:
American Whiskey:
Netherlands: In 2022, the Netherlands emerged as the largest importer of American Whiskey, with imports valued at $151 million.
European Union: In 2022, EU countries imported $703 million worth of U.S. spirits, with American Whiskey accounting for a significant portion.
Japan: Imports from the U.S. reached $95 million in 2021, making it one of the top markets for American Whiskey.
United Kingdom: Imported $88 million worth of American Whiskey in 2021.
Australia: Imports totaled $84 million in 2021.
Canada: Imported $68 million worth of American Whiskey in 2021.
Vodka:
U.S. vodka exports increased by 57% in 2022, reaching $123 million.
Rum:
Exports grew by 16% in 2022, totaling $109 million.
Liqueurs and Cordials:
Saw a 44% increase in exports in 2022, amounting to $149 million.
Gin:
Exports rose by 26% in 2022, reaching $51 million.
Brandy:
Experienced a 22% increase in exports in 2022, totaling $18 million.
Top 5 U.S. Spirits Export Markets in 2022:
European Union: $703 million
Canada: $268 million
United Kingdom: $159 million
Australia: $141 million
Japan: $113 million
