Beer Institute: America Celebrates Its Independence with Beer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Traditionally, more beer is sold on and around the Fourth of July holiday than during any other time throughout the year, as Americans gather to celebrate their independence and to toast the founding fathers who made it all possible.
“It is widely known that those who fought for and won American Independence had great vision, courage and wisdom. Less well known is the fact that they were also lovers of beer,” said Jim McGreevy, President and CEO of the Beer Institute. “Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams and James Madison vigorously promoted the brewing industry. And during the Revolutionary War, George Washington made sure his troops received a quart of beer each day. Our founding fathers would no doubt be pleased at the role beer has come to play in American life today. It is as much a part of our Fourth of July celebrations as fireworks or barbeque.”
According to Beer Institute Chief Economist, Michael Uhrich, brewers and importers begin preparing for Independence Day long in advance of the holiday.
“The time leading up to the Independence Day holiday is by far the busiest for America’s brewers and importers,” Uhrich said. “They brew, package and ship around the clock in June so that we can all enjoy a fresh cold beer as we celebrate our freedom.”
Americans spent $1.6 billion on beer during the two weeks around last year’s Fourth of July holiday according to data from Nielsen.
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The Beer Institute is a national trade association for the American brewing industry, representing brewers of all sizes, as well as beer importers and industry suppliers. First founded in 1862 as the U.S. Brewers Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to the development of sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal responsibility. For additional updates from the Beer Institute, visit our website, follow @BeerInstitute on Twitter, like the Beer Institute on Facebook, and follow the Beer Institute on Instagram.
