Idaho beer distributors support more than 3,000 jobs and provide $364 million in total economic impact, according to a report released Tuesday.

The report said 37 beer distributors in Idaho employ 1,421 people, paying them more than $84 million. As the beer goes down the distribution chain, it supports about 1,500 more jobs. The Idaho operations are responsible for paying $80.3 million in taxes to local, state and federal governments, it said.

The distributors also make investments in things like vehicles, software and charitable events, which adds about 100 jobs to the total.

Bars and restaurants get the largest benefit when it comes to jobs supported by Idaho distributors.

The report argues that beer distributors have a larger ripple effect through more efficient marketing, consumer choice, sales and transportation. That provides an economic benefit to retail, education and highway maintenance, they said. "Idaho's beer distributors also play a vital role in alcohol awareness and education," they said.

The report was produced by business and economics researchers at the University of Delaware.