Drinks Ireland, the representative body for drinks producers, distributors and brand-owners in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, has welcomed the announcement of the freeze in excise duty in the UK Budget.
Drinks Ireland director Patricia Callan stated, "We welcome the freeze in excise duty in the UK Budget as it will provide some relief for our Northern Irish beer, cider and spirits producers, and wine importers. The UK currently has the fourth highest aggregate rate of excise on alcoholic products relative to EU countries, which puts undue pressure on small drinks producers in particular."
R&D Spending
Callan added, "We also welcome the £10 million announced for R&D spending to help decarbonise distilleries. We are seeking clarity on the Budget statement which announced £1 million to market Scottish food and drinks, including Scotch whisky, overseas. Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur in Northern Ireland have equally been hit with 25% tariffs from the US as part of the Boeing/Airbus trade dispute, so they should be provided with similar support."
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