The Iowa Brewers Guild, a not-for-profit trade association of professional brewers of beer, cider and wine in Iowa, has released a new economic impact report highlighting the industries’ contributions to the state’s economy.
Fourth Economy, a national community and economic development consulting firm, was hired by the Iowa Economic Development Authority to conduct the economic impact analysis of the craft beer, wine, and distillery industries in the state.
The report found that Iowa breweries generated a total economic impact of $1.25 billion from brewery operations, trade and tourism in 2022. Compared to the $245 million in the 2020 report, the report shows a significant increase in the industry’s impact throughout Iowa.
“Iowa’s craft breweries have a significant impact on the Iowa economy,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, in a release. “In addition to sales, they stimulate our economy by creating jobs, fostering community development and attracting tourists. The ripple effects of this industry are felt in various sectors such as our main street retail businesses, hospitality and lodging sectors.”
Additional findings from the report:
- Iowa is home to approximately 150 brewery locations in a variety of sizes and models.
- Iowa’s brewery industry is projected to continue to grow in the next five years, including a projected 17.5 percent growth in total output (gross regional product) and a 9.6 percent increase in jobs.
- Iowa’s craft beer industry employs a workforce of 7,219 employees for direct operations.
- Throughout the supply chain, the industry supports a total of 14,448 jobs in Iowa.
Based on the number of tourists, and their expenditures in Iowa for transportation, food, beverages, retail, recreation, and entertainment, visitors to Iowa breweries, distilleries, and wineries spent a total of $410 million. A total of 42% of that amount, or $172 million, can be attributed to tourism at Iowa’s breweries.
More than 100 breweries in Iowa are IBG members. IBG’s “Brewed in Iowa” campaign celebrates the state’s craft beer industry, its economic impact throughout Iowa, and the importance of drinking local.
“The new economic impact report underscores what we know to be true – Iowa breweries play a critical role in cities across Iowa by not only creating jobs and economic opportunity, but also creating gathering spaces that build community,” said Noreen Otto, executive director of the Iowa Brewers Guild. “Iowa breweries also directly support Iowa’s agriculture industry, creating a wave of economic impact throughout our state that transcends industries.”
To download the full report from the Iowa Tourism Office, visit industrypartners.traveliowa.com/other-research/. For more information about Iowa’s craft beer industry, visit www.BrewedInIowa.org.
