Family-owned wine and spirits wholesalers in Oregon deliver from every corner of the world to local restaurants, bars and stores—and are a major economic engine in the state, according to a new study. Wholesalers in Oregon employ more than 2,000 people who earn $163 million in wages each year as part of an industry that generates $700 million in Oregon state tax revenue each year.
“Oregon’s family-owned wholesalers are a crucial part of the vibrant and growing wine and spirits industry that supports nearly 50,000 jobs across the state,” said Chris Underwood, CEO of Young’s Market Company with multiple offices in Oregon, and Senior Vice President of WSWA Executive Committee. “Creating jobs across all three industry tiers, providing consumers with more choices in alcohol brands than soda, collecting $12 million in state excise taxes each year, and keeping the marketplace safe for consumers–Oregon’s wholesalers are accountable to the mission.”
Distributors in the three-tier system efficiently move alcoholic beverage products from producer to consumer, and help keep the market safe and accountable, protecting consumers and non-consumers alike. Responsible distribution practices save Oregon’s government money by accurately and efficiently collecting and remitting $12.12 million in state excise taxes.
“The continued economic growth of Oregon’s wholesalers is at risk due to provisions of the tax code set to expire in 2025, and will adversely impact these family-owned businesses,” said Michelle Korsmo, WSWA President and CEO. “Unless these provisions are extended or made permanent, the resulting market uncertainty could compromise the current growth trend, potentially costing Oregon millions of dollars that could have been used for state and local health and safety programs,” Korsmo added.
To search data on wine and spirits wholesalers in Oregon (and other states) by congressional district, state senate district, or state house district, click here. WSWA’s industry economic impact analysis and ongoing studies are prepared by John Dunham & Associates based in Brooklyn, New York.
WSWA is the national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry, dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesalers, distributors and brokers of wine and spirits. Founded in 1943, WSWA has more than 370 member companies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and its members distribute more than 80 percent of all wine and spirits sold at wholesale in the U.S.