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The Economic Ripple Effect
 

Idaho's beer breweries and wineries' economic benefits spread throughout the state to individuals and companies providing products and services needed for the production, distribution, and sale of these beverages.

Brewers and wineries purchase grains, hops, grapes, and other raw materials from farmers in Idaho. The industries also purchases equipment and machinery for breweries, wineries, packaging for beverages, shipping services, and marketing and advertising services. Each year the industry spends millions of dollars for needed products and services.

These businesses in turn purchase products and services from other businesses, continuing the spread of economic benefits. And employees in all companies spend their earnings on personal purchases.

Thus, economic activity started by Idaho's beer and wine industries generates output and jobs in hundreds of other industries, often in states far removed from the original economic activity.

  
Quick Facts
 

The “social cost” argument as a basis for higher beer taxes is logically equivalent to mailing out speeding tickets to all drivers because some people exceed the speed limit.

Beer contributes to $136 Million in Idaho wholesale, retail, and brewing wages and $387 Million in economic output.

Beer contributes to $158 Million in Idaho agriculture, business, travel, and other wages and $557 Million in economic output.

9,481 Idaho jobs are created through beer distribution with an additional 300 in Idaho agricultural jobs.