1,000
Wineries
1,300
Vineyards
73
Distributors
400
Breweries
70
Cideries
65
Distilleries
10,000
Restaurants
37,200
Farms
The Impact
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Oregon was home to 1,000 wineries, 1,300 vineyards, 73 distributors, 400 breweries, 70 cideries, more than 65 distilleries, 10,000 restaurants and 37,200 farms, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and several billion dollars in wages. Many of those jobs have been lost. Tax increases only make it harder for these local businesses to invest in rehiring, equipment, upgrades and expansion, and will result in higher prices for consumers.
Beer
Oregon brewers help create 40,000 jobs, $2 billion in wages each year and contribute $6.5 billion in economic activity for the state. Unfortunately, 3,000 beer-related jobs were lost because of COVID-19 closures and restrictions and dozens of our local brewers shuttered.
Wine
Oregon is home to 1,000 wineries and 1,300 vineyards, which support the livelihoods of more than 28,000 Oregonians and generates more than $1 billion in wages. Sadly, that number is down from 40,000 before the pandemic, meaning 12,000 wine-related jobs were lost last year.
Cider
Because of COVID-19, 81% of Oregon’s 60 cideries were forced to close their tasting rooms and 50% laid off workers. These losses also impacted Oregon’s 37,200 farmers supplying cideries, the 10,000 restaurants serving the cider and the 73 distributors delivering beverages.
Spirits
Oregon is home to 65 distilleries supporting 18,000 jobs and generating $1.6 billion for the state. Oregon distillers reported a 30% reduction in sales due to COVID-19. Oregon’s spirits tax is already 2nd highest in the country. The last thing these homegrown businesses need is a tax increase.