Whiskey production to double at distillery

IRISH DISTILLERS is to double whiskey production at its Midleton distillery.

The move will cater for the growing worldwide demand for Jameson Irish Whiskey which sold a record 3.4 million cases — one billion shots — around the world in the last 12 months.

Plans for the expansion of the distillery, which is operating at full capacity on a 24 hour/seven day basis, are in the development stage and it is expected that planning permission for the expansion will be lodged with Cork County Council within the next 12 months.

The proposed multi-million euro expansion is expected to crate a significant number of jobs in the design, construction and production phases.

Irish Distillers chairman and chief executive, Alexandre Ricard, said Irish Distillers and parent company Pernod Ricard have great ambitions for Jameson over the coming decade.

“To satisfy the growing global demand for the brand, we are undertaking a major expansion of our maturation and warehousing capacity, located in Dungourney, Co Cork.

“In addition, the company’s plan to more than double the production at its Midleton Distillery, will secure Jameson’s continued growth into the future,” he disclosed.

However, Mr Ricard said in stark contrast to this growth and optimism in their export markets, the outlook for the industry here in Ireland is concerning.

“I welcome the Government initiative to boost the very important tourism and hospitality sectors with the recent significant VAT reduction. I would also urge the Government not to take any actions, either through taxation or legislation, which would undo this positive and much needed stimulus for domestic consumption and confidence,” he said.

Yesterday, Irish Distillers owner Pernod-Ricard SA, which is Europe’s second-largest distiller, reported annual profit growth in line with analyst estimates as strong sales in emerging markets offset tough conditions in Ireland, Spain and Greece.

Earnings before interest and taxes, excluding one-time items and the effects of acquisitions and disposals, rose 8% to €1.9 billion in the year ended June 30, the Paris-based company said.

Organic sales, excluding acquisitions or disposals, rose 7% compared with analysts’ median growth estimate of 6.5%.

Total revenue increased 7.9 % to €7.6bn, matching the average estimate of 27 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News.

Pernod has net debt of €9.04bn and will continue to pay down debt with free cash flow.

Jameson posted a very strong performance, experiencing 17% growth for the year globally and a growing share in Ireland. Powers Irish Whiskey increased sales year on year, gained market share and confirmed its position as Ireland’s second best-selling whiskey, according to the company.

A total of 300,000 people passed through the company’s visitor centres in Midleton and Dublin’s Old Jameson Distillery.