MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Beer generating billions of dollars in Washington

Mar 27, 2013, 12:33 PM | Updated: 6:00 pm

New estimates put the economic impact, from "grains to the glass," at about $4.3 billion for Washington state. (AP Photo)

(AP Photo)

Beer is big business in Washington. New estimates put the economic impact, from “grains to the glass,” at about $4.3 billion.

The numbers come from the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute.

The business of growing grains and hops, brewing, bottling, distribution and importing accounts for more than 42,000 jobs in Washington. A key ingredient in beer is hops and Washington is the top producer of hops in the nation.

“It’s an important industry for all the brewers and beer importers that need those hops,” said Chris Thorne, a spokesman and vice president with the Beer Institute. “Washington state plays an integral part in agriculture for the entire brewing industry.”

Washington is also home to almost 300 brewers and beer distributors.

“There’s an enormous reach in brewing beer and importing in the United States and it’s a terrific story because we need jobs and these are good jobs,” said Thorne. He said the beer industry suffered during the recession and 2012 was an improvement, but not a comeback year for beer.

MyNorthwest News

Image: The awnings of a store advertise the sale of lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Po...

Steve Coogan

Lottery jackpots update: Powerball prize up for grabs after $1.1B Mega Millions ticket sold

A lottery jackpots update: The Powerball prize reached an estimated $865 million ahead of Wednesday night's drawing.

5 hours ago

Photo: The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center....

James Lynch

King County’s plan to close youth detention center met with fierce backlash

The King County Law and Justice Committee received a final report on Executive Dow Constantine's plan to close a youth detention center.

7 hours ago

Image: A cargo ship is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after ...

Associated Press

Authorities identify 2 bodies recovered at site of Baltimore bridge collapse

A major bridge in Baltimore snapped and collapsed after a container ship rammed into it early Tuesday, and several vehicles fell into the river below.

8 hours ago

Photo: Mountaineer Jim Whittaker has died at 95....

Gene Johnson, The Associated Press

Lou Whittaker, among the most famous American mountaineers, has died at age 95

Lou Whittaker, a legendary American mountaineer who helped lead ascents of Mount Everest, K2 and Denali, has died at age 95.

9 hours ago

File photo: Former Sen. Joe Lieberman speaks in Washington on Jan. 18, 2024....

Associated Press

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP pick in 2000, dead at 82

Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who nearly won the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in 2000, has died.

9 hours ago

Image: A Tacoma teen was shot outside her Tacoma Hilltop area apartment over the weekend....

Heather Bosch

Estranged boyfriend suspected in Tacoma teen’s death turns himself in

We're learning more about the man who's accused of fatally shooting a teenager outside her Tacoma Hill Top area apartment over the weekend.

10 hours ago

Beer generating billions of dollars in Washington