Protecting the status of Ireland's famed food and drink products

Despite Ireland’s global reputation for the quality of its food and drink, relatively few products enjoy international protection compared to those produced in other European countries

The GI for spirit drinks protects the name of a spirit drink originating in an area where the product’s particular quality, reputation, or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.

An influential producer of food and drink, the Irish industry is adamant that its exports are of superior quality compared to many of its competitors.

The high standard is certainly recognised globally. In 2022, food and drink exports reached a record high of €16.7bn. But how is Irish food and drink distinguished from its competitors formally, and its uniqueness proven?