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Irish drinks exports valued at €619m
Exports of Irish drinks to the US were valued at €619 million (US$638m) in 2021, according to new figures from Drinks Ireland.
To mark Independence Day on 4 July, the Irish drinks sector highlighted the importance of the US market for exports from the industry.
In 2020, just over half (51%) of Ireland’s drinks exports went to the States, according to Irish food agency Bord Bia.
The US is the biggest export market for Irish spirits, valued at €561m (US$578m) in 2021, Drinks Ireland said.
This was driven mainly by Irish whiskey, however Irish cream liqueurs are also hugely popular in the US, Drinks Ireland said. Irish gin is also ‘carving a niche for itself’, the trade group noted.
Vincent McGovern, director of Drinks Ireland | Spirits said: “Irish drinks producers take great pride in creating quality products that are renowned the world over, and the US is a key destination for our spirits, beer and cider exports, which is very positive to see.
“While heavily impacted by Covid-19, and particularly the global closure of the on-trade, exports remained resilient, and producers are now focused on recovery and further growth.”
Total alcohol consumption in Ireland declined by 4.7% in 2021 due to on-trade restrictions, Drinks Ireland revealed in March.