Today, more than 122 million Americans will wear green clothes and drink green beer as they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The holiday, which honors Ireland’s patron saint, has become lucky for logistics and supply chain companies in the retail and food and beverage industries.
From people decorating their offices and homes, to those attending one of the hundreds of parades across North America, it’s up to logistics and supply chain companies to get goods to stores, restaurants, bars and pubs in time to deal with the demand.
St. Patrick’s Day spending in America reaches nearly $4.1 billion. Retailers play a big role in the celebration as 83% of the population wears green. Americans also exchange more than seven million St. Patrick’s Day cards and nearly 25% will decorate their homes or office.
In the food and beverage industry, 34% of Americans will make a special dinner to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Fueled by the traditional corned beef and cabbage meal, March marks the month in which cabbage demand is at its highest.
And what is St. Patrick’s Day without a pint of beer? From green beer to Guinness, beer sales climb on St. Patrick’s Day. Nearly 13 million pints of Guinness is consumed on St. Patrick’s Day, compared to the five million pints consumed on an average day.
As if toasting with your friends or watching a parade isn’t enough, more than 100,000 people in Chicago watch as the Chicago River is turned green. To accomplish this annual feat, 40 pounds of green dye is used.
For the 34.7 million residents in the U.S. who claim Irish ancestry and millions more who celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the demand for goods has logistics and supply chains seeing a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
