Distillers launch Irish Whiskey Association

An Irish Whiskey Association has been launched in Ireland to support the growth of exports, which are expected to double by 2020.

The Irish Whiskey Association will promote the interests of the growing number of producers

Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, launched the new trade body today to help promote the interests of the rapidly-growing number of producers.

It was also announced that the sector is set to invest €1bn in Ireland over the next 10 years.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Coveney said: “The launch today of the Irish Whiskey Association is a sign of the industry’s shared vision. Export expansion, at least 15 new distillery projects and planned investment of €1 billion over the next 10 years is a significant mark of confidence in our economic future”.

The organisation, which is open to all whiskey producers within Ireland and Northern Ireland, aims to promote the category domestically and internationally through work with government agencies and the European Commission.

In addition, it will seek to support new market entrants, promote the quality standards of Irish whiskey and its GI, as well as lobby for public policy that supports the sustainable growth of the category.

The Irish Whiskey Association has been founded with 15 members, including Walsh Whiskey Distillery, West Cork Distillers, William Grant & Sons, Slane Castle, Teeling Whiskey Co, The Wild Geese, Glendalough, Great Northern Distillery, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, First Ireland Spirits, Dublin Whiskey Company, Diageo, Cooley Distillery, Campari, O’Hara’s, Alltech, Burren Distillery and Castle Brands.

The association will be chaired by Perter Morehad, production director at Irish Distillers.

Irish whiskey exports are expected to double to 12 million cases by 2020, and grow further to 24 million cases by 2030.