The independent report, by Oxford Economics and commissioned by the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA), found the sector generated £2.472bn in gross value added (GVA) in 2025.
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It also supported 64,200 jobs and paid £1.29bn in wages across Scotland.
The report measured the contribution of breweries and pubs, beer sales through the wider hospitality sector and activity supported across retail and supply chains.
Across Scotland’s electoral regions, the sector supported an average of around £309m in GVA, 8,000 jobs and £161m in wages.
Young workers
The findings also showed the sector’s role as an entry point into employment, with more than half of Scottish workers directly employed by the beer and pub industry aged between 16 and 24.
The SBPA said this was more than four times the equivalent proportion across the wider Scottish economy.
SBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “This report puts beyond doubt the enormous contribution that Scotland’s beer and pub industry makes to our economy and our communities.
“These are jobs and investment spread throughout Scotland, from our largest cities to our smallest rural and island communities.”
McClarkin said the sector also played a “striking” role in providing opportunities for young people.
She added: “For thousands of Scots, a pub, brewery or hospitality business offers that crucial first step into employment, helping them to build skills, confidence and a lasting career.”
Cost pressure
However, the trade body warned the sector’s contribution could not be taken for granted, with pubs continuing to face pressure from rising costs, taxation and regulation.
Research published by the SBPA earlier this year found 293 Scottish pubs had closed permanently over the previous five years, equivalent to 6.4% of the country’s pubs, compared with 4.1% in England.
McClarkin said: “The closure rate for pubs in Scotland has been more than 50% higher than in England, putting jobs, investment and valued community venues at risk. We need both the Scottish and UK governments to recognise the economic and social return that comes from supporting beer and pubs.”
The SBPA called for Holyrood to deliver a fairer business rates system and assess the cumulative impact of new regulation and costs.
It also urged Westminster to support a competitive beer duty regime and reduce wider tax pressures affecting employment and investment, including through lower VAT.
The report follows recent warnings from Scottish operators that business rates, strict licensing rules, transport challenges and changing consumer habits are continuing to shape the country’s hospitality market.
McClarkin added: “With the right support from both governments, our sector can continue to drive economic growth, provide opportunities for young people and remain at the heart of communities across Scotland.”
