IDFA continues to demonstrate that the dairy industry has a powerful economic impact – $628 billion in total – on the American economy. Did you know that dairy also indirectly supports unique industries across the nation, like breweries, wineries and distilleries?

Dairy companies, distributors and retailers support American beverage alcohol manufacturers in a number of ways. More than 1,860 jobs in breweries, wineries and distilleries depend on spending by the dairy industry or dairy industry employees. This number includes the jobs of about 955 manufacturing employees who make beverage alcohol products such as rum that are used in dairy products, like eggnog, or alcohol purchased by dairy manufacturers for parties or other events. These jobs are the result of purchases directly paid for by dairy companies.

More than 900 additional jobs for brewers, distillers and wine makers result from dairy employees and supplier employees purchasing products at local retailers, restaurants or entertainment venues.

All told, the dairy industry creates almost $163.14 million in wages and nearly $1.60 billion in economic impact for American beverage alcohol producers.

Dairy Delivers®

IDFA is sharing these deep dives into the data of Dairy Delivers®, its economic impact tool, to demonstrate dairy’s economic power and its ripple effect on other American industries.

Members with questions may contact Dave Carlin, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy, at dcarlin@idfa.org.