John Whelan: Growth in US demand driving revival in Irish drink exports 

Brewers and distillers have seen a surge in sales to the US — but exports within the EU and to China have been disappointing

Irish whiskies such as Jameson have benefitted from the 2018 EU-Japan trade agreement.

THE global closure of pubs and restaurants drastically hit Ireland’s drinks industry in 2020. However, there has been a remarkable turnaround in the first half of 2021 — led by resurgent demand in export markets, in particular the rampant consumer demand in the US, according to CSO data.

This bounce back to sales of €754m for the six months, is an upswing of 25% on the same period last year and takes industry exports back above the pre-pandemic levels recorded in the first six months of 2019.