Brexit has created Scotch whisky import problems in Ireland as a number of retailers have reported experiencing difficulties obtaining Scotch whisky products as several UK distilleries and retailers have suspended sales to EU members following the UK's exit from the union.
As reported by The Irish Independent, some Scottish distilleries have posted notices on their websites stating that they cannot currently sell products to EU countries.
UK-based online retailer The Whisky Exchange, for example, has posted a notice stating that it has suspended EU deliveries due to a lack of clarity about post-Brexit cross-border shipping rules.
According to The Irish Independent, owner of Dublin's Celtic Whiskey Shop, Ally Alpine, said that his business has experienced difficulties ordering products from Scotland.
Alpine reportedly said that one shipping company told him that it cannot ship spirits from Scotland via Northern Ireland, while another shipping company that operates from Liverpool to Dublin said that it will not ship single whisky pallets as they could cause container delays.
Alpine reportedly said that he has since found one shipping company willing to ship Scotch whisky products, and shipments are due to commence next week.
The Celtic Whiskey Shop owner also reportedly said that the import problem has primarily impacted smaller, independent brands rather than larger ones such as Diageo's Johnnie Walker.
Alpine reportedly added that sales and demand for both Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey are strong, that he believes the Scotch whisky import problems are starting to be resolved but that the issues may cause "a slight price increase due to the extra [import] charges", and that the Celtic Whisky Shop has temporarily suspended shipments to the UK, and has noticed a rise in UK consumers buying and sending to addresses in Ireland as well as a rise in sales to Northern Ireland.
"World's Best Single Outlet Retailer Of The Year In 2021"
In other Celtic Whiskey Shop-related news, the business, which is located on Dublin's Dawson Street, has won the "World's Best Single Outlet Retailer of the Year 2021" award at this year's Icons of Whisky Awards.
Every year, global publication Whisky Magazine holds an international awards competition that recognises the best the whisky/whiskey that the industry has to offer. In addition to their World Whiskies Awards, in which whiskies compete in various categories, the publication's Icons of Whisky Awards recognises individuals who work in the industry, online retailers and retail outlets.
At the beginning of February of 2021, Celtic Whiskey Shop won the "Single Outlet Retailer of the Year 2021" award at the Icons of Whisky Ireland Awards, and went on to compete for the global title against the regional winners, which included America, Australia, China, Scotland, France and South Africa among other countries, and won. The Celtic Whiskey Shop previously won this overall award in both 2017 and 2019.
Alpine stated, "We are honoured to win the overall title for 'World's Best Single Outlet Retailer in 2021". This is an extremely high level of recognition for our store and after a very challenging year it has been great to have the support from our customers and members of the industry."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
