Drinks industry contributes €2bn in taxes, says report

A report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has found the industry accounts for 80,000 full time jobs in Ireland and pays over €2bn in taxes annually and says consumption of alcohol is falling.

The report found the drinks industry paid €2bn to the exchequer in 2003 in VAT, excise duties and other taxes.

In the same year drinks exports from Ireland were valued at over €1bn in 2003, equivalent to 54% of meat exports and exceeding dairy exports.

But the report found consumption of alcohol is declining with total per capita consumption down 5.5% in 2003 (almost to 1999 level).

Richard Dunne, chairman of DIGI said: "This report highlights the huge economic significance of the drinks industry in Ireland in terms of jobs, taxes, exports and the balance of payments. It demonstrates why it is so important to preserve and strengthen the industry into the future."

This report was prepared by Anthony Foley of the Dublin City University Business School.

DIGI represents the Beverage Council of Ireland; Cider Industry Council; Diageo Ireland; Irish Brewers Association; Irish Distillers Group plc; Irish Hotels Federation; Licensed Vintners Association; National Off-Licence Association; Restaurants Association of Ireland; Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Wine & Spirit Association.