Beer economy in Canada supports 163,200 jobs

A report released today by the Conference Board of Canada in association with Beer Canada (formerly Brewers Association of Canada) says that 1 of every 100 Canadian jobs is supported by the sale of beer.

From Farm to Glass: The Value of Beer in Canada examines the national and provincial economic impact of beer, a heritage dating back to 1668.

“Canada is known globally for making great beer,” said John Sleeman, Founder and Chair of Sleeman Breweries Ltd. and Chair of Beer Canada. “But the impact of beer on Canada’s economy goes much further, supporting more than 160,000 jobs in every province and territory.”

Report Highlights:

The beer economy supports 163,200 Canadian jobs.

Economic activity in the beer economy accounts for 0.9% of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product and a combined $5.8 billion in federal, provincial and municipal tax revenues.

Every dollar spent on beer in Canada has a positive Gross Domestic Product multiplier effect of $1.12 net of taxes.

The brewing industry is bigger than Canada’s dairy products manufacturing industry and three and half times larger than Canada’s wine and spirits industries combined.

A 3.5% increase in beer exports has an inflation-adjusted $10.5 million impact on Canada’s Gross Domestic Product and generates 70 full-time jobs.

Beer has a positive impact on sectors that employ a higher proportion of young adults than the national average of all sectors.

“Our knowledgeable brewmasters are fortunate to have ready access to the high quality malting barley grown inWestern Canada and clean fresh water, two of the four key ingredients in beer,” continued Mr. Sleeman. “Brewers bring water and malt together with hops and yeast to make great beer which engages a value chain that creates jobs, economic wealth and tax revenues for every level of government.”

Canadians drink 23 million hectolitres of beer a year on average, about 80 litres on an adult per capita basis. Beer is the most popular beverage alcohol product, accounting for 45% of all beverage alcohol sales according to Statistics Canada.