WASHINGTON, D.C. 05/06/2025 — The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has released newly updated economic data showing the substantial and far-reaching impact of America’s family-owned wine and spirits wholesalers on the national economy. The survey data provided by John Dunham and Associates reveals that wholesalers directly employ over 97,000 Americans nationwide, generating more than $9.3 billion in wages and supporting a supply chain that anchors more than 1.4 million American jobs across the beverage alcohol industry.
The latest economic report underscores the central role family-owned wine and spirits distributors play in supporting local economies across the country. With 4,176 wholesaler locations coast-to-coast with the ability to service more than 1.2 million retailers, these American, family-owned businesses provide critical infrastructure that connects producers to retailers while generating major tax revenue for federal, state, and local governments.
Key highlights from the report include:
More than 97,000 direct wine and spirits wholesaler employees;
$9.3 billion in annual wages for wholesaler employees;
$48.1 billion in state and local taxes generated annually;
$7.3 billion in federal excise tax collected by the wine and spirits industry; and
1.4 million total industry jobs linked to the production, distribution, and sale of wine and spirits.
“America’s wine and spirits wholesalers are a central hub of our economy. From providing tens of thousands of good-paying jobs to generating billions in tax revenue, our members are proof that locally rooted, family-owned businesses have national impact,” said WSWA President and CEO Francis Creighton, emphasizing the vital economic role wholesalers play.
This data comes at a time when supply chain resilience and local economic development are more important than ever. As policymakers and consumers alike seek stability and accountability in the marketplace, the wholesaler tier stands as a dependable and transparent partner in the beverage alcohol industry.
To learn more or to download the full economic impact report, visit https://www.wswa.org/data-and-impact/economic-database.