Ohio Craft Breweries' Economic Impact Holds Steady at $1.29 Billion

Despite economic turbulence, new report shows indicators of stable, mature industry.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Craft Brewers Association’s biennial economic impact report shows that Ohio’s craft brewing industry brewed 1.15 million barrels of beer and delivered $1.29 billion to the state's economy in 2024.

Forty-six Ohio breweries opened in 2024, bringing the state total to 442 craft breweries at the end of last year. Ohio’s 1.15 million barrels of craft beer production volume last year ranks sixth among U.S. states, despite a 10.9% decrease compared to 2022 volume. The impact report details the regional and statewide contributions Ohio craft breweries make to the state economy:

• $1.29 billion economic output (up from $1.27 billion in 2022)
• $128.6 million state and local taxes ($141.5 million in 2022)
• $99.1 million federal taxes ($85.8 million in 2022)
• 12,255 jobs (12,040 in 2022)
• $427.3 million labor income ($389.0 million in 2022)

In addition, the 116 breweries that responded to the impact survey donated approximately $1.5 million to charitable causes and gave thousands of volunteer hours to community groups.

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. Breweries provide manufacturing, hospitality, administrative and creative jobs within communities all over the state, supporting more than 8,000 households.

While craft beer production volume is down compared to 2022 levels, some of that decline is attributable to breweries who have shifted a portion of their production capacity to alternative beverage products to meet consumer demand. Small breweries are uniquely positioned to pivot quickly and take advantage of market trends when advantageous to do so.

Craft beer's dollar share of the overall beer market has actually increased year-over-year according to the Brewers Association's 2024 Annual Craft Brewing Industry Production Report, indicating steady demand and performance in on-premise sales. Breweries have established themselves as inclusive gathering places with strong, authentic ties to the communities they serve.

"Craft breweries are here to stay," said Mary MacDonald, executive director of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association. "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."

The full 2024 Economic and Fiscal Impact of Ohio’s Craft Brewing Industry report is available at ohiocraftbeer.org/2024impactreport

Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve, diversify and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; to promote safe, responsible enjoyment of Ohio craft beer; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.