Drinks exporters eye US growth

Ray Ryan reports on Bord Bia’s and the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to support the export ambitions of Irish beverage companies

EXPORTS of Irish beverages to the United States last year grew to over €514 million with whiskey by far the most popular tipple.

The importance of the US market, as Brexit negotiations begin, was highlighted when 25 Irish drinks exporters took part in a trade showcase in Chicago earlier this month. They engaged with Binny’s Beverage Depot, the largest drinks retailer in the US Mid-West, and other on-trade customers from the region.