Experts say beer sales doing well despite economy

The slumping economy has killed some companies and hurt many others. A few seem almost immune to the situation, however. For example, the beer industry in Missouri claims to be doing very well. 

A new study by the National Beer Wholesalers Assocation and the Beer Institute reveals the American beer industry contributes over $15.7 billion to the Show-Me State's economy.

The study says the industry directly employs nearly 28,000 Missourians, paying them about $1.2 million in wages.

Those people include about 1,700 workers at Missouri's 58 beer distributors, about 6,200 at Missouri breweries and beer importers, and nearly 20,000 jobs at retail outlets.

"Our industry has been and continues to be one of the best paying industries," says Beer Institute President Jeff Becker. "It also provides great healthcare benefits for its employees."

Maybe it's not so surprising that people consume beer in bad times. The business seems to have been affected little by the recession. Becker says sales are consistant.

"Consumers are looking for value in this economy," says Becker. "And that's why beer, with the many different price points and types and styles is an appealing thing for the consumer."

However, Becker says there has been one change in the industry that is a direct result of the tough times. That involves where people are getting their suds.

"We've seen a little bit of shift from drinking in bars, taverns, and restaurants to people doing their drinking at home," says Becker.

Through it all, Becker says the beer industry is a steady one that has historically ridden out any economic wave.

He says, "When you need to count on somebody, I think you can definitely count on the beer industry."