Irish drinks exports have shown an increase of 8% in 2018.
New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reported that the value and volume of exports from the Irish drinks industry increased from €1.25 billion in 2017 to €1.35 billion in 2018.
“Ireland’s drinks industry is backed by centuries of respected tradition,” highlighted Patricia Callan, director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland.”
From our rich history in brewing, to the tradition of whiskey distilling, the products made by the industry have deep roots in Ireland, setting them apart on the global stage.
In Like Gin
Research showed that the value of gin exports increased by 211.2% – from €1.9 million in 2017 to €6.04 million in 2018.
Irish gin recorded growth in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Italy and Germany last year, according to the report.
In January of this year three Irish gin producers were listed for sale by LCBO, which retails and distributes alcoholic beverages in Ontario in Canada.
ABFI said that this will mean that the Irish gin category will make a bigger splash in the Canadian market this year.
Whiskey Renaissance
Value of Irish whiskey exports increased by 13% – from €578.78 million in 2017 to €654 million in 2018.
According to the Irish Whiskey Association, the US remains the largest market for Irish whiskey accounting for 43% of all sales, with Canada, Australia and Central/Eastern Europe set to be the key growth region for Irish whiskey in 2019 and coming years.
Other Highlights
The value of beer exports from Ireland increased by 1.2% – from €275.6 million in 2017 to €279 million in 2018.
Irish cream liqueur grew overall in terms of exports in 2018, including to the United Kingdom, Africa and Australia.
