A new economic impact study shows America's beer industry – made up of brewers and importers; distributors; and retailers – contributes more than $8.4 billion annually to Georgia's economy and supports 53,487 jobs in the state.

Jointly commissioned by the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute, the study shows that the 53,487 jobs impacted by the beer industry in Georgia account for more than $2.4 billion in wages and benefits. The industry also generated more than $1.1 billion in business and personal taxes and paid $293 million in consumption taxes in 2016.

NBWA President & CEO Craig Purser said, "America's beer distributors are proud to provide nearly 135,000 jobs with solid wages and great benefits to employees at more than 3,000 facilities, located in every state and congressional district across the country. Independent beer distributors generate significant economic contributions in their communities through local business-to-business commerce, investments in local infrastructure and capital assets and tax revenue. Through a wide range of services, distributors work to build beer brands of all kinds – from large, familiar labels to start-up, craft brands and imports from around the world – and to deliver vast consumer choice in the marketplace."

Beer Institute President & CEO Jim McGreevy said, "Beer serves America at virtually every level of the economy, from the nearly 2.23 million employees, to the small businesses in middle-class communities, and the important tax revenues at the local, state and national levels. From farmers to factory-workers, from brewery-hands to bartenders, beer puts Americans to work."

According to the study, the beer industry generates more than $350 billion in economic activity, produces nearly $63 billion in tax revenue and supports 2.23 million jobs. Brewers and beer importers directly employ 64,745 Americans. About 58 percent of brewing jobs are linked to large and mid-sized brewers and beer importers, and independent beer distributors directly employ 134,240 Americans.