Bord Bia data has stated that the total value of Irish drinks exports increased by 19% in 2021 to €1.62 billion according to Drinks Ireland.
Irish Whiskey, Cream Liqueur, Gin, Beer And Cider
Irish whiskey exports grew by 25% last year and were valued at €855 million, while Irish cream liqueur exports were up 19% and valued at €367 million; gin recorded growth of 38%, albeit from a lower base; beer exports were down by 3% last year due to the closure of the on-trade channel, and were still valued at €246 million, and the top export destinations for Irish beer are the UK, the USA and France; and the UK, the USA and Australia are the most popular export markets for Irish cider, according to Drinks Ireland, which estimates that cider exports from Ireland increased by 33% between 2020 and 2021, from €58 million to €77 million.
USA, UK, EU, Africa And Asia
The US is the top destination for Irish drinks exports, accounting for more than half of Ireland's drinks exports, with the UK also being an important market, as well as countries in the EU, and the global travel retail trade sector, while Africa is a promising region, with shipments more than doubling in 2021 to reach a value of €53 million, and Asia is also a promising market that exporters will be targeting in the years ahead, according to Drinks Ireland, which also stated that total drinks exports to the region grew by close to 40% in 2021 to reach €38 million.
Statement By Drinks Ireland Director
Drinks Ireland director Patricia Callan stated, "Irish drinks producers take great pride in creating quality products that are renowned the world over. These products are often the first touchpoint people in foreign countries have with Ireland, and many of our Irish brands are rich with history and heritage. Overseas visitors who enjoy one of our drinks products at home may wish to learn more about this when they take a trip here and go to drinks-related visitor centres, or indeed a local Irish pub. It was promising to see exports recover last year, with stronger prospects for the year ahead."
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