Global brewing industry contributes US$878B to GDP, says World Brewing Alliance
GLOBAL – The global brewing industry contributed US$878 billion to the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, according to a report published by the World Brewing Alliance (WBA).
The study, conducted by Oxford Economics, highlights the economic significance of the beer industry, which supports 33 million jobs worldwide, accounting for one in every 100 jobs.
The report details that breweries directly employed 620,000 people, while the broader supply chain supported 11.3 million jobs, and distribution, retail, and hospitality accounted for 21.2 million jobs.
The study further reveals that for every US$1 million in GDP directly generated by the brewing industry, its spending on inputs, wages, and beer-related economic activity contributed an additional US$8 million to the global economy in 2023.
Although breweries generated US$98 billion in direct GDP, the total economic impact reached US$878 billion, largely due to contributions from supply chain and distribution activities.
The downstream value chain, which includes distributors, retailers, and hospitality venues, contributed US$499 billion, representing 57 percent of the total impact.
The brewing sector also played a substantial role in public finances, contributing US$376 billion in taxes related to beer production, sales, and employment.
The report further notes that 86 percent of brewery spending on suppliers remained within the country of production, benefiting local economies. In some nations, such as Japan, Germany, and Brazil, this percentage was even higher.
The beer supply chain’s economic footprint extends beyond employment, with US$281 billion generated through supply operations and brewery wage spending.
Justin Kissinger, President and CEO of the World Brewing Alliance, stated: “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. What makes beer unique is that it is deeply rooted within its local markets, benefiting local economies and communities.”
Growth in emerging markets
Between 2015 and 2023, income in low- and lower-middle-income countries saw a 27 percent increase in GDP contribution, while jobs generated by the brewing industry grew by 24 percent.
Additionally, the report highlights that productivity among brewery employees is significantly higher than in other sectors.
In low-income countries, each brewery worker contributed US$117,000 in GDP—18 times the national average. In high-income countries, this figure rose to US$238,200 per worker.
The study underscores that fostering value-added industries, such as beer production using locally sourced ingredients, supports per capita income growth and sustainable economic development in emerging markets.
In 2023, breweries spent US$10.6 billion on raw materials, which had a total economic impact of US$38 billion on global GDP.
The report also highlights that in some countries, beer’s contribution to the national economy is even more pronounced. In low- and lower-middle-income nations, beer accounted for 1.5 percent of national GDP, nearly double the global average, while in Cambodia, it represented 5.8 percent of GDP.
As the global brewing industry continues to expand, its contributions to employment, local economies, and public finances remain substantial.
The World Brewing Alliance (WBA), which serves as the united voice of beer on the global stage, aims to promote policies that ensure the industry’s long-term economic sustainability and growth.
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