Irish whiskey exports recorded a 14.2% increase in value in 2017, according to the Central Statistics Office’s (CSO) 2017 Trade Statistics report, published today (Tuesday March 13).
Irish whiskey is exported to over 135 international markets. The category saw a 16.7% increase in exports to the US, its largest export market; a 15.7% increase in exports to Canada and 9.2% increase in exports across the 27 EU markets.
Irish whiskey is the world’s fastest-growing spirits category, representing a third of the value of all Irish drinks exports. It is estimated that nearly 120 million bottles (10 million cases) were sold in 2017, worth over €600 million in exports from Ireland, up 20% from 2016.
Commenting on the statistics, William Lavelle, head of the Irish Whiskey Association, said, “These figures confirm the sustained double-digit export growth in the Irish whiskey category. Irish whiskey export growth is delivering for the Irish economy, creating jobs throughout the country and benefiting Irish barley farmers.
“Irish whiskey remains the fastest growing spirits category in the world. This growth is showing signs of no abatement. Our industry has global ambitions and we are targeting more growth in more markets.”
