Pat Rigney, the managing director and founder of The Shed Distillery in Co. Leitrim, which manufactures Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, has been appointed as the chair of Drinks Ireland|Spirits, the representative body of the Irish spirits industry.
Rigney, who was previously vice-chair of Drinks Ireland|Spirits, is taking over from former chair Aoife Clarke, who is also the senior director of international public affairs at Beam Suntory.
TJ Carolan director Bryan Fallon will serve as Rigney's vice-chair.
Aiming To Continue To Drive Growth
Rigney stated, "Ireland's spirits industry continues to go from strength to strength. The value of spirits exports from Ireland increased by 10.2% between 2017 and 2018 from €916 million to over €1 billion. We also have a dynamic domestic spirits market, driven by the growing popularity of premium spirits products like Irish whiskey and gin.
"Looking forward, we want to continue to drive this growth, but there are also a number of imminent issues ahead, including tariffs and Brexit.
"I'm delighted to take on the position of chair of Drinks Ireland|Spirits."
Congratulations And Thanks
Meanwhile, head of Drinks Ireland|Spirits Vincent McGovern commented, "On behalf of Drinks Ireland|Spirits, I want to congratulate Pat Rigney on his appointment. I also want to thank Aoife Clarke, who has made incredible strides for the Irish spirits industry during her time as chair."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
