Distilling is a bigger producer of jobs than coal in the state of Kentucky, a new study released yesterday shows. This 67 page study done by two professors at UofL and financed by both the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund outlines the specific impact distilling has on the State of Kentucky. Some of the notable points from the study:
- Kentucky produces nearly 95% of the world’s bourbon, and “the industry is very stable during economic downturns.” Jobs in this industry are more stable than other manufacturing jobs in the state.
- Employment in the bourbon industry rose 10% between 2012 and 2013 and 23% since 2010
- Kentucky’s distilleries employ 40% of all the distillery workers in the United States and pay 50% of all the distillery wages
- Distilling also employs people in the support industries like farming, barrel production, management, and marketing throughout the state.
- Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey account for two thirds of spirits exports
- 40% of the grain used by distillers in the State of Kentucky currently comes from Kentucky, but Kentucky farmers could only support 80% of the state’s need
- Kentucky has the fifth highest tax rate on spirits of the 33 open-market states
- 84% of the 60,000 people who completed The Kentucky Bourbon Trail with a stamped Passport by the end of 2013 were from outside the state, though Passport holders account for only 20-25% of distillery visitors
The bourbon and distilled spirits industries are making a huge economic impact on the State of Kentucky, both in terms of jobs and tourism. Many industry experts expect this trend to continue for years, even decades. What do you think about bourbon’s economic impact on Kentucky? Tweet me @LouGirl502 to discuss!
Images Courtesy of Kentucky Distiller's Association Economic Impact Study
