Ireland's drinks sector toasts expansion, but bemoans 'double regulation'

THE drinks industry in Ireland has the potential to grow exports in excess of €2 billion over the next 15 years and to create an extra 13,000 jobs, most of them in the rural economy.

However, a new report claims this potential expansion is being compromised because a “double regulation” of the industry is undermining competitiveness and is at odds with Government expansion plans for the sector.

Leading agri-food economist Ciaran Fitzgerald produced the report, commissioned by the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI), which is part of IBEC and represents alcoholic drinks manufacturers and suppliers.