The Irish Brewers Association (IBA) met Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed at the Franciscan Well Brewery in Cork this week to discuss the contribution that the brewing industry makes to the economy in Ireland and the supports required from the government to sustain growth.
According to the IBA, Ireland’s beer industry makes a significant contribution to the economy, directly employing 1,064 people and contributing €424 million to the exchequer through excise taxes in 2017.
The IBA highlighted that beer exports, by volume, rose marginally by 0.2% and were valued at €273 million in 2017, making Ireland the 8th largest beer exporter in Europe.
"A Vital Contribution"
Chair of the Irish Brewers Association (IBA) and country manager of Molson Coors Ireland Keith Fagan commented, “The Irish brewing industry makes a vital contribution to the agricultural sector, supporting farming jobs right across the country. As the industry continues to grow and eye new export opportunities, we hope that this contribution will continue to grow in the coming years.
“Furthermore, the commitments being made by Irish drinks producers under Bord Bia’s Origin Green scheme means more agricultural raw materials will be sourced locally.”
© 2018 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.