North Carolina beer industry brings more than $13 billion to economy

The beer industry is brewing a big economic impact in North Carolina, according to the newly released Beer Serves America report.

The Beer Serves America report is released every other year by the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Beer Institute.  

In North Carolina, more than 71,800 people make their career in the beer industry, which contributes $13.4 billion to the state’s economy while generating $1.4 billion in taxes that support local communities.

Last week, North Carolina breweries proved their world-class impact after earning 11 medals at the 2025 World Beer Cup, which is considered one of the most prestigious beer and cider competitions globally. That event saw over 8,000 entries from over 1,700 breweries across 49 countries. 

Across the nation, the report found that the U.S. beer industry contributes $471 billion to the U.S. economy, pays more than $142 billion in wages and generates over $50 billion in taxes.

The report finds the beer industry contributes the equivalent of 1.58% of the nation's GDP.

“Here in North Carolina, more than 3,600 hardworking Americans are employed by local, independent beer and beverage distributors, where they receive good wages, valuable benefits and opportunities for career growth,” said Craig Purser, President and CEO of the NBWA.

“The beer industry is a true American success story, with 135,000 beer distribution professionals proudly joining their industry partners to deliver economic growth while providing the world’s safest, most competitive beer marketplace.” 

Since the last Beer Serves America report, which was released in 2023, the industry has increased its economic impact by $60 billion and added nearly 300,000 new beer industry jobs. The beer industry continues to be a major driver in fostering economic growth within the alcohol industry, as beer remains the top choice for Americans as their preferred alcoholic beverage.