Wholesalers employ nearly 88,000 Americans nationwide who earn a collective $7.5 billion in annual wages as part of an industry that generates $77.5 billion in tax revenue each year, according to a new economic impact study for Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA).
Since 2016, wholesaler jobs have increased 19 percent and collective wages paid have increased by $1 billion, it adds..
This data is part of a new industry economic impact study and coincides with the launch of the newly-designed WSWA.org website, which tells the story of wholesalers and the three-tier system while highlighting the value and uniqueness of America’s beverage alcohol system. The economic data and WSWA.org website will support WSWA’s advocacy, advertising and media relations efforts.
“Family-owned wine and spirits distributors are the local marketing, brand building and logistics experts for beverage alcohol products in every state and congressional district in America,” said WSWA President and CEO Michelle Korsmo.
“To perform this wide range of services, the nation’s wine and spirits distributors directly employ 88,000 Americans who earn a collective $7.5 billion in annual wages– a 19% increase in jobs and an added billion dollars in wages in just two years’ time. Distributors are a major force in the wine and spirits industry, with employees at 3,000 locations across the country who hold a range of jobs, including fork lift operators, truck drivers, mixologists, and marketing experts.”
“This study shows the growth and economic importance of wholesalers, and WSWA’s new website tells their story. Together, these tools underscore the value of wholesalers and highlight the robust beverage alcohol market we have in America,” added Korsmo.