Number of Breweries in California Reaches New Record
California Craft Brewers Association releases annual data on growth and impact of craft brewing industry
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (December 12, 2017) – The craft beer industry has tripled over the last five years, up from 300 breweries in 2012 to just over 900 breweries in operation today, according to data released by the nonprofit trade association, the California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA). California is home to more craft breweries than any state in the nation, with nearly 92 percent of the state’s 39.5 million residents living within 10 miles of a brewery.
“11% of craft brewing’s total $67.8 billion economic impact comes from California,” said Bart Watson, Chief Economist at the Brewers Association. “These data highlight the powerful economic impact craft brewers have in California and across the nation.”
According to the CCBA report, the total economic impact of craft breweries in California exceeds $7.3 billion. This figure is derived from the total impact of beer brewed by craft brewers as it moves from breweries to distributors to retailers as well as non-beer merchandise sold at breweries and tasting rooms.
By the Numbers:
- Craft breweries in California supported nearly 50,000 full time jobs with an average wage of $55,000 a year.
- California’s craft breweries paid $1.49 billion in taxes in 2016, including $868 million in state and local taxes and $617 million in federal taxes.
- California’s craft breweries produced 3,295,221 barrels of beer in 2016 and exported 1.17 million barrels, which is greater than the total craft production of all but five states in the nation.
- The number of licensed breweries grew by more than 100 in the last year – more than any state in the country and an increase that was greater than the total licensed number of breweries in 34 states.
“The positive impact of craft breweries on the state of California goes far beyond just the benefits of tax revenue, manufacturing jobs and tourism,” said CCBA executive director, Tom McCormick. “Craft breweries also have a tangible influence on the growth and development of their region, investing in their community, employing their neighbors and supporting local nonprofits. Craft breweries are the living room, the town hall and the gathering place for their community.”
For more information about California craft beer, please visit www.californiacraftbeer.com.
About the California Craft Brewers Association
The California Craft Brewers Association is a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association representing the craft and specialty brewing industry in California. Formed in 1989, the CCBA is the oldest state trade association representing craft breweries.
