Whiskey sector to invest €1bn here

A new umbrella body for the whiskey-making industry has been established to guide growth in a sector which is expected to invest more than €1bn in the Irish economy over the next decade.

At yesterday’s launch of the Irish Whiskey Association — a body featuring new market entrants and established players — representatives stated that the sector is on course to quadruple its exports, from six million cases to 24 million, by 2030 (and doubling current levels by 2020); and to grow combined employee numbers by 30%, to 6,500 people over the next 10 years.

“There has been sustained growth in Irish whiskey over the last 20 years, with the category experiencing double-digit growth since the turn of the millennium and the trend is set to continue,” said Peter Morehead, production director at Jameson parent, Irish Distillers, and chairman of the new body.

As well as the expected export growth in the coming years, Mr Morehead noted that the island of Ireland will go from having four whiskey distilleries in operation, just three years ago, to having more than 15 in the next three to five years.

“With this growth, comes the need for leadership in ensuring the category maximises its potential and continues to maintain the high quality standards that consumers all around the world have come to expect from their Irish whiskey,” he added.

Speaking at yesterday’s launch, Food Minister Simon Coveney said that Irish whiskey is currently “a star of the Irish food and drink sector”.