Quintessential invests €4m in First Ireland Spirits

International drinks group Quintessential Brands is investing €4 million into expanding its subsidiary company First Ireland Spirits and is considering further acquisition opportunities in Ireland.

Quintessential Brands will channel €4 million into expanding First Ireland Spirits

The money will be used to more than double production at its facility in Abbeyleix, County Laois, to around two million cases (more than 24 million bottles) per year, while also creating 20 new jobs in the region.

It is hoped the investment will enable the brand to achieve its “ambitious growth plans”, which include increasing global volumes of O’Mara’s Irish Cream, the upcoming launch of Feeney’s Irish Cream, development of The Dubliner Whiskey and further expansion into other Irish Whiskeys.

The investment comes just under a year since Quintessential Brands acquired First Ireland Spirits in April 2014 for a multi-million euro sum to “expand into other Irish spirits categories”.

“This investment is part of our on-going strategy to develop Abbeyleix as the home of Irish Cream, boost our production capabilities, build a premium Irish brand portfolio and expand our contract manufacturing business in Ireland,” commented Warren Scott, Quintessential Brands co-founder and director.

“On behalf of the team at First Ireland Spirits, I’d like to thank Enterprise Ireland, who have worked with the company for over 20 years, and AIB for their continued support and commitment.

“In addition, we are grateful Laois County Council who have worked closely with us to facilitate our ambitious production expansion plans.”

Last month, Quintessential Brands purchased French spirits producer Lafragette & Legier (L&L), which it said marked an “important step” in its international growth.