Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: November 30, 2007

Missouri Wine Industry Packs a Powerful Economic Punch

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Wine and Grape Board recently released a research report announcing the economic impact of wine and grapes in the state. The study, compiled by MFK Research based in St. Helena, Ca, stated that the full economic impact of wine and grapes on the Missouri economy is estimated at 701.2 million for 2007.

“Missouri’s wine industry is a growing sector of our state’s agriculture industry and has grown 70% since 2001 ranking 11th in the nation,” said Katie Smith, director the Missouri Department of Agriculture. “The 73 wineries located across Missouri offer economic advantages to many communities through agritourism opportunities and this new economic impact study truly shows the tremendous value of wineries across the state.”

Contributions to the state’s economy by Missouri grape, wine and related industries are significant. The local wine industry accounts for nearly 6,200 jobs with an associated payroll of nearly $150 million.

“The Missouri wine and grape industry is definitely a growing industry,” said Jim Anderson, executive director of the Missouri Wine & Grape Board. “The rapid growth is expected to continue and Missouri will continue to see the positive economic benefits.”

The wine and grape industry generates significant tax dollars, benefiting federal, state and local governments. In 2005 the industry paid $36.2 million in state and local taxes and $26.4 million in federal taxes. Forecasts place 2007 tax figures at $28.9 million in federal taxes and $39.4 million in state and local taxes.

Tourism is a major element in Missouri wine’s economic impact. The growing numbers of wineries in the state contribute to an increase in wine-related tourism, which is predicted to rise 7% since 2005 to nearly a million visitors this year alone. Over one-third of the income generated by locally produced wine is derived from tourism, primarily through sales to winery tasting room visitors.

For more information regarding Missouri’s wine and grape industry, visit www.missouriwine.org/.

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