The Consumer Brands Association (CBA) released a study on the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry’s growing economic footprint across the US. The PwC study found that the CPG industry is the largest manufacturing sector by employment. It supports 22.3 million jobs and contributes $2.5 trillion — or nearly 10% — to the US economy, which is more than Canada’s 2023 total gross domestic product (“GDP”).

“As one of the nation’s top job creators, the makers of the products consumers choose and the brands they trust play a crucial role in our national economy,” said Genna Gent, executive vice president of industry engagement, CBA. “When you look at how many jobs our industry proudly supports to make the food that families serve at the dinner table or the household and personal care products we use every day—from the scientist ensuring product safety, the farmer growing wheat for bread or the trucker on the road to the retailer, it’s clear the human-powered CPG industry has a massive impact on the economy.”

A Range of Contributions to the US Economy

The study examined the total contribution of the CPG industry, including employment, labor income and economic value added, at the national, state and congressional district levels in 2022.

According to the study, the industry directly and indirectly supports:

• 22.3 million jobs, or 10.5% of total US employment.
• $1.5 trillion of labor income, including $195.2 billion directly, which is a 30% increase in CPG wages over five years.
• $2.5 trillion in US GDP, accounting for nearly 10% of the national total.

“Each one of the 22.3 million jobs the CPG industry supports is part of a greater purpose — contributing to the industry’s commitment to delivering for consumers every day — and the results can be found in nearly every American household,” Gent said. “The findings in this report also reinforce the need for federal and state policies that facilitate job creation, spur innovation and build consumer trust.”