Drinks Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the Irish drinks sector, has announced the election of Pat Rigney as its chairperson for the next two years.
Rigney's Background
Rigney is the founder and managing director of The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney. The Shed Distillery is best known for Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, which it distils in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim. Prior to founding the distillery in 2014, Rigney had 25 years of experience in the industry.
Statement By Rigney
Rigney said, "I am passionate about our sector which is of huge importance to Ireland, especially the rural economy such as Leitrim, our local identity and heritage, with breweries, distilleries, cider producers, visitor centres and hospitality venues bringing jobs to communities throughout the country.
"We now have some 40 Irish whiskey distilleries, up from only four in 2010, and over 34 Irish gin producers on the island of Ireland. There are eight facilities in Ireland producing Irish cream and 9 poitín producers. As well as this, there are 100 brewing companies and about a dozen cider producers in the Republic of Ireland.
"The rise in local Irish distilleries and breweries has transformed the rural Irish economy, creating significant employment. Irish drinks brand exports have risen to €2 billion, contributing €2.6 billion in VAT and excise payments to the Irish exchequer.
"But beyond these statistics are individuals, families, communities and companies working every day to produce Irish drinks brands which compete on the world stage for Ireland, and of which we should all be proud.
"I and my peers across Ireland are enormously proud to be part of this industry and its Irish heritage. I look forward to contributing to this great indigenous industry as chair of Drinks Ireland.
"Too often the drinks industry is misrepresented and maligned at home.
"Our mission in 2023, and beyond, will be to rebalance the debate and to highlight the reality that alcohol consumption in Ireland is more balanced and moderate having fallen by a third since 2001, with Ireland’s consumption now within European consumption norms. Indeed, clear evidence is emerging that consumers, particularly young Irish adults are consuming our products in a more balanced and moderate way and are ahead of the often times outdated stereotypes put about in Ireland.
"I look forward to working with director Cormac Healy, his team and the Drinks Ireland members as we continue to highlight the importance of the drinks industry to our economy, our heritage and communities throughout Ireland."
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