The Irish Whiskey Association held its biennial Chairman’s Awards this week. This year’s Chairman’s Awards are part of a year-long celebration throughout 2024, marking 700 years of Irish whiskey tradition.
The Red Book of Ossory was published in Kilkenny in 1324, and this ancient religious manuscript contains the first recorded reference to distilling in Ireland.
“The total export value of our sector will exceed €900 million this year,” said Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association.
“This is a remarkable achievement, particularly as spirits categories worldwide face some challenging economic headwinds, including inflation and increases in the cost of living.”
Earlier this year, Irish whiskey distilleries celebrated another landmark year for their visitor centres and experiences, welcoming over 800,000 visitors in 2024 to locations across the island of Ireland.
The Irish Whiskey Association claims that the outlook for 2025 is even more positive, with new international campaigns, with the support of Tourism Ireland, to further mark 700 years of Irish whiskey tradition.
“Poland now ranks as our second-largest market, surpassing even Ireland, while South Africa, Japan and India have experienced significant sales growth in recent years,” said Ó Catháin.
“The US remains our largest export market, accounting for 46% of total exports, and we are committed to building on the historic relationship that has made Irish whiskey a firm favourite among US consumers for decades.”
The Ambassador of the USA to Ireland, her excellency Claire Cronin, was among the guests of honour at the event, and she spoke about the shared relationship between the US and Ireland.
“The story of US-Irish economic ties in the whiskey industry is a story of mutual appreciation and innovation, and a spirited partnership that we are committed to strengthening,” said Cronin.
“This is not just a partnership based on economic ties. Behind every bottle is a story, a shared history, of hard-working men and women fiercely dedicated to their craft.”
Read More: Eoin Ó Catháin Of The Irish Whiskey Association On His Journey
