Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers — Business Survival Rate
An estimated 72% of beer and ale merchant wholesalers businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 6.4%.
Is Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers a Good Business to Start?
With a 72% five-year survival rate, beer and ale merchant wholesalers has an above-average survival rate compared to the national average of roughly 50%. This makes it a relatively safe industry to enter — businesses here tend to find stable demand and sustainable economics.
The annual exit rate of 6.4% is lower than many sectors, suggesting that once established, these businesses have staying power. That said, lower failure rates often correlate with higher barriers to entry or established competition.
Entry vs. Exit Rates
Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.
Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+1.6 pp spread).
Job Creation & Destruction
The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 214,983 workers across 3,313 firms.
Want to know how much beer and ale merchant wholesalers businesses actually make?
See full revenue benchmarks for Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers →Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of beer and ale merchant wholesalers businesses fail?
- Approximately 28% of beer and ale merchant wholesalers businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 6.4%, with 240 firms closing permanently in 2023.
- Is the beer and ale merchant wholesalers industry growing or shrinking?
- The beer and ale merchant wholesalers industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +3.0% per year. New businesses are entering at 8.0% while 6.4% close annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.