Founder and managing director of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin manufacturing facility The Shed Distillery of Co. Leitrim Pat Rigney has been elected chair of the Ibec trade association that represents drinks manufacturers and suppliers on the island of Ireland, Drinks Ireland.
Drinks Ireland represents 61 drinks manufacturers on the island of Ireland and includes the category trade associations Drinks Ireland|Beer, Drinks Ireland|Cider, Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey, Drinks Ireland|Spirits and Drinks Ireland|Wine.
Rigney is taking over the position of chair of Drinks Ireland from Diageo Ireland country director Oliver Loomes.
"Looking Forward To Working With Drinks Ireland"
Rigney stated, "Ireland's drinks industry faces a number of challenges. The sector has and continues to be significantly impacted by COVID-19, which has hit production, exports and sales. Beyond this, it faces the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, with negotiations ongoing, and also continues to be impacted by trade disputes between the EU and the US.
"But at its core, the industry is resilient, dynamic and innovative, and has performed strongly in domestic and export markets in recent years. I'm looking forward to working with Drinks Ireland and its membership."
Congratulations And Thanks
Meanwhile, Drinks Ireland director Patricia Callan commented, "I would like to congratulate Pat Rigney on his appointment as chair of Drinks Ireland. I look forward to working with him on the issues that are pertinent to the drinks industry in Ireland, including our ambition to drive recovery in the sector in 2021 and beyond.
"I'd also like to thank Oliver Loomes for his great work as chair of Drinks Ireland over the past four years."
© 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.
