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 bakers?

Dairy companies, distributors and retailers support American bakers in a number of ways. About 3,950 jobs in the baking industry depend on spending by the dairy industry or dairy industry employees. This includes almost 700 manufacturing jobs for employees making cakes, cookies and even cookie dough used in dairy products, like ice cream and novelty items. These jobs are the result of purchases directly paid for by dairy companies.

About 3,250 additional baking jobs result from dairy and supplier employees purchasing bread, cookies and crackers at local stores, restaurants, farmers markets and food co-ops.

All told, the dairy industry creates $158.4 million in wages and more than $510.2 million in economic impact for American bakers and bakeries.

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.