Irish drinks exports increased by 8% and generated €1.45 billion last year, according to a new report by Bord Bia.
The report found that over half of the export growth achieved in 2019 was in the Irish whiskey category, and gin exports grew by 17% to €9 million.
The report also noted that 7.9 million cases of Irish cream liqueur were exported in 2019, and drinks exports to the US accounted for 40% of all drinks exports last year and generated €676 million.
"An Export Powerhouse"
Drinks Ireland director Patricia Callan commented, "Bord Bia's report confirms that Ireland's drinks industry is an export powerhouse and is certainly punching above its weight when it comes to export performance, with growth continuing over the past few years.
"In addition to export growth in the US, we also saw growth in a number of other key markets in 2019.
"In the EU, France proved especially receptive to Irish drinks products as exports there rose by 45% to €86 million. Exports to Germany also increased by 20% to €84 million.
"Canada, an important market for Irish cream liqueur and an increasing one for Irish whiskey, saw a 2% increase in exports to €72 million.
"Bord Bia has identified Brexit and US tariffs as two major issues impacting Irish drinks exports, given the prominence of the US and UK markets. However, overall, the outlook for 2020 looks positive."
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
