Thursday, February 6, 2014
SAN DIEGO – The number of jobs, breweries, and total annual sales in the San Diego craft beer industry all increased significantly from 2011 to 2013. That is the conclusion of a new report released this week by the National University System Institute for Policy Research (NUSIPR), a regional economic think tank based in San Diego. Using workforce data, NUSIPR evaluated various workforce-related topics within the San Diego craft beer sector, and compared them to other craft beer regions in the United States.
Overall, we found that:
• San Diego’s craft brewing industry has grown significantly since 2011. Over the last two years, there has been a 40% increase in the number of craft brewing jobs in San Diego County and the number of breweries and brewpubs has more than doubled. Total annual sales have grown from $680.9 million in 2011 to $781.5 million in 2013.
• Key local businesses support industry development and production. San Diego is host to four key business sectors that participate in the early stages of product development and manufacturing. Overall, these businesses generate $56.6 million in annual sales, and help keep more dollars from beer sales in the local economy.
• Regional brewery wages are among the highest in the nation. Wages in the craft brewing industry in San Diego are higher than competitors such as Portland, Denver & Asheville. Overall, however, brewery & brewpub workers make less than average wages for the region.
• San Diego’s workforce training and education programs are top-tier. In comparison to other craft beer regions, San Diego provides more rigorous continuing education programs for industry professionals and those seeking to enter the craft beer market.
“Craft brewing is one of the fastest growing segments of the San Diego regional economy,” remarked Vince Vasquez, author of the report. “More partnerships with the tourism and hospitality sectors will be required in order to sustain long-term growth and industry development.”