Consulting Report
10 Jul 2024

Spirits: global economic impact study 2024

On behalf of the World Spirits Alliance (WSA), and in collaboration with the IWSR, Oxford Economics undertook the first ever truly global economic impact assessment of the production and sale of spirits across 185 economies in 2022.

Producing and selling spirits involve a wide range of economic activities and organisations, including distillers, distributors, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, hotels, and other venues enabling final consumers to buy and consume spirits. Global sales of spirits were worth $650 billion (excluding VAT) in 2022.

The study took a comprehensive approach, capturing the economic activity of producers and sellers of spirits, and the further impact stimulated by their supply-chain spending and the wage-funded spending of their employees and those of their suppliers. We tracked economic activity within countries and across their borders with Oxford Economics’ Global Sustainability Model.

The study found that the production and sale of spirits supported $730 billion in GVA contributions to global GDP, or 1 in every $140 of global GDP in 2022. Furthermore, this economic activity is estimated to have stimulated 36 million jobs and $390 billion in tax revenue for governments across the world.

The experts behind the research

Our Economic Consulting team are world leaders in quantitative economic analysis, working with clients around the globe and across sectors to build models, forecast markets and evaluate interventions using state-of-the art techniques. Lead consultants on this project were:

Francesca Biagini

Lead Economist

Ian Saxon

Associate Director

Recent related reports

Impacts of the proposed Los Angeles fast food ordinance

Save Local Restaurants commissioned Oxford Economics to calculate high-level cost estimates relating to a proposed city ordinance that would impose new requirements on quick-service restaurant operators in Los Angeles.

Find Out More
Catalyzing Africa’s Sustainable Transition: Insights to Impact a Climate-Resilient Future

Sustainable finance is not merely a climate imperative but a development necessity. As climate risks intensify, Africa must urgently mobilise capital to advance its adaptation, mitigation, and development goals. Realising this ambition will require coordinated action across governments, financial institutions, international partners, multilateral agencies, and the private sector. With bold leadership, innovative tools, and supportive ecosystems, the continent can chart a path toward a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global economy.

Find Out More
Plane flying over line of country flags | travel ban
Minimal Impact on Industry from Trump Travel Bans

Research Briefing Spirits: global economic impact study 2024 The new wave of travel bans only impacts 1% of the total US overseas market.

Find Out More
Global P&C Insurance Outlook to 2050

Capgemini leveraged custom macro and insurance market forecasts from Oxford Economics for their latest P&C insurance flagship report.

Find Out More