Spirits: Global Economic Impact Study

Comprehensive Analysis of the Global Spirits Industry’s Economic Contributions

Comprehensive Analysis of the Global Spirits Industry’s Economic Contributions

A person rolling a barrel in a distillery

The global spirits industry plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, supporting millions of jobs, and fostering community development worldwide. From manufacturing to retail, its impact extends across supply chains, trade, and consumer markets.

Key Findings

Economic Contributions

Employment Impact – The spirits industry directly and indirectly supports over 60 million jobs worldwide.

Supplier Investments – Spirits companies contribute over $150 billion annually to supplier networks, driving growth in manufacturing, logistics, and marketing.

GDP Influence – The spirits sector contributes over $400 billion annually to the global economy, reinforcing its financial impact.

Regional Impact – Spirits production drives growth in key regions, including China, Europe, and the Americas.

Graph describing economic impact of spirits industry globally
A person holding fresh grapes
1in84
Jobs globally supported by the spirits industry
Two people having a discussion in a classy cocktail lounge
Billion
$ 0
Spent by the spirits industry with third-party suppliers
Money
$1in every$140
Of global GDP linked to the spirits sector

Economic Impact by Region

 

The spirits industry contributes significantly to economic development across key regions.

Explore specific insights below:

The largest spirits-producing region, China accounts for $23 billion in direct economic value and supports 15 million jobs. Spirits manufacturing and retail activities make up nearly 3% of total employment in the region.

The industry contributes $11 billion in direct value and sustains 1.3 million jobs, playing a key role in employment and trade.

Spirits production and sales in North America contribute $15 billion to GDP, supporting 1.1 million jobs across the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Spirits manufacturing and related activities support 2.1 million jobs, with a growing market demand.

The region benefits from 2.9 million jobs linked to spirits production and retail, with increasing investments in premium segments.

A smaller but significant market, supporting 72,000 jobs, with strong exports to Asia-Pacific

Spirits production in Latin America contributes $9 billion to GDP and supports 2.4 million jobs, driven by strong demand in Brazil and Argentina

Americas

The U.S. accounts for 8.2% of global spirits value.

Latin America

Spirits contribute $9 billion to the region’s GDP, with Brazil leading production.

Africa & Middle East

The region supports 2.1 million jobs in spirits-related industries.

Europe

Germany is the top spirits exporter in Europe.

China

96% of spirits consumed in China are produced locally.

Australia and New Zealand

Whisky exports from this region are surging.

Indian Subcontinent

India is the world’s fastest-growing spirits market.

Focus Areas of the Study

Direct Economic Impact

Spirits manufacturing, production, and sales contribute billions to the global economy, creating direct employment opportunities and expanding trade. The total direct contribution of spirits production to GDP in 2022 was $56 billion, with 1 million jobs directly employed in distilleries.

Indirect Economic Impact

The spirits industry fuels a vast supply chain, engaging sectors such as agriculture, glass production, and marketing services, multiplying its economic footprint. Spirits manufacturers’ indirect economic impact reached $110 billion in GDP contributions and supported 7.3 million jobs in 2022.

Induced Economic Impact

Wages earned by industry workers drive consumer spending in local economies, further strengthening financial ecosystems worldwide. The downstream economic activity in hospitality and retail supported 26 million jobs and contributed $510 billion to global GDP.

Graph describing economic impact of spirits industry globally

Additional Resources

Full Report Download

Get complete access to the WSA Economic Contribution Report 2024.

Related Publications

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