GOOD NEWS FOR whiskey drinkers – the sector is going to get bigger and bigger in Ireland.

Today sees the launch of the Irish Whiskey Association and the news that the Irish whiskey sector is set to invest €1 billion in Ireland over the next 10 years.

Minister Simon Coveney said that exports are to double by 2020 and double again by 2030, and that 15 new distilleries are in development across Ireland.

Irish Whiskey Association

The Irish Whiskey Association (IW) is set to invest over €1 billion in Ireland in the next 10 years.

Coveney explained that with over 15 new distilleries currently being developed across the country, the new association will bring together all companies to promote Irish whiskey and “to ensure the product is given vital protection going forward”.

The association said today that:

• Irish whiskey exports have grown by 220 per cent since 2003 and are now valued at €350m
• In 2003, Irish whiskey made up just over 9 per cent of beverages exports, which has grown to over 28 per cent of total beverages exports from Ireland.
• Export number to double to 12 million cases by 2020 and double again to 24 million cases by 2030.
• Irish whiskey employs 5,000 directly and indirectly, set to grow to 6,500 by 2025
• Turnover for the industry is almost €400m, with an annual direct domestic spend of €237m
• Irish whiskey visitor centres attract over 500,000 tourists every year
• Irish whiskey sells into 77 countries, with USA, France, Germany, Russia and the UK accounting for almost 75 per cent of total sales.

Peter Morehead, Chairman of the Irish Whiskey Association and Production Director at Irish Distillers said: “Last year, our companies exported 6.2 million 9-litre cases worldwide; we expect that number to double to 12 million cases by 2020 and double again to 24 million cases by 2030.”

Read: €5m distillery planned for Dublin church>