Irish whiskey sales rose 10.6% in 2019, according to data compiled by IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.
The number of cases sold by Jameson increased to eight million last year from 7.2 million in 2018; Tullamore Dew sold 1.5 million cases after selling 1.3 million in 2018; Bushmills sold 821,500 cases last year; and 213,800 cases of Conor McGregor's Proper No Twelve whiskey were sold following the sale of 38,200 cases of the brand in 2018.
Meanwhile, the Paddy and Kilbeggan whiskey brands sold 185,200 cases and 133,100 cases, respectively, in 2019.
COVID-19 Crisis Impact
As reported by The Irish Times, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis noted that Irish whiskey sales are expected to decline this year due to the COVID-19 crisis, but IWSR Drinks Market Analysis director Humphrey Serjeantson said that the hit to sales is likely to be short-lived, and Irish whiskey sales should return to 2019 levels by the end of 2022.
The Irish Times quotes head of the Irish Whiskey Association William Lavelle as saying, "With growth in 2020 impacted by COVID-19 sales restrictions - particularly in travel retail and across the global on-trade scene - 2019 will likely represent a new benchmark year for Irish whiskey sales, with our industry now focussing on getting back to 12 million case sales as soon as possible."
© 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.
