Ohio craft breweries are a major economic boon for the state, a new report says.
The Ohio Craft Brewers Association released its biennial economic impact report on the craft brewing industry, concluding the industry produced $1.29 billion in economic output for the state in 2024.
“Craft breweries are here to stay,” association Executive Director Mary MacDonald said in a prepared statement. “While it’s a difficult and unpredictable time to own and operate a small business, brewers are adaptable and resilient, crafting world-class beer while supporting the communities that support them.”
More than 1 million barrels of craft beer were produced last year in Ohio, ranking sixth in the country.
“Over a two-year period marked by growing costs of doing business — inflation on input goods, a competitive and challenging labor market, rising interest rates — and shifts in consumer spending and preferences, Ohio’s small and independent breweries continue to support state and local economies,” according to the report.
How many craft breweries operate in Ohio?
At the end of last year, there were 442 craft breweries operating in the state, with 46 of them opening last year.
“The number of Ohio craft breweries increased approximately 5% in the last two years (from 420 in 2022) and 24% in the last four years (from 357 in 2020),” according to the report. “Nearly 90% of currently operating Ohio craft breweries have opened within the last 13 years.”
How many jobs does the craft brewing industry generate in Ohio?
The Ohio craft brewing industry supported 12,255 jobs last year, up from 12,040 in 2022.
How does the craft brewing industry impact Northeast Ohio?
Last year, the report found craft breweries in the Northeast Ohio directly and indirectly generated $71.2 million in economic activity.
“The activities of the Northeast region craft breweries resulted in the generation of an estimated $6.4 million of state and local taxes and $5.9 million of federal taxes during 2024,” according to the report. “An estimated $25.7 million of annual labor income, including benefits, was associated with the total jobs. These jobs and associated earnings sustained545 Ohio households.”
To see the full report, go to: ohiocraftbeer.org.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ohio craft breweries generate big economic impact for state, report says
Reporting by Janson McNair, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
