Six leading Irish gin producers recently visited Brussels to promote their brands to the Belgian market.
The brands that took part in the trade mission which was organised by the Irish Spirits Association (ISA) to Belgium include: The Exiles, Drumshanbo Gunpower Irish Gin, Dingle Gin, Slingshot Irish Gin, Conncullin Irish Gin and Minke Irish Gin.
Belgium is regarded as one of Europe’s fastest growing markets for premium gin, so is a key target for the Irish gin sector, which is undergoing a period of substantial growth, said the IWA in a statement.
“Last year was a breakthrough year for Irish gin with exports more than trebling," said William Lavelle, Head of the ISA.
"While Irish gin is still a small category in international terms, it is an important and unique niche category, that is going from strength to strength."
Fastest Growing Market
The latest figures published by the group which represents Irish gin producers, show that the value of Irish gin exports rose by 226% in first eight months of 2018.
“Irish gin brands offer consumers something different and are already seen as a world-leader in terms of quality and authenticity.” Lavelle added.
The IWA said that Irish gin producers have the ambition to treble their sales to exceed 400,000 9-litre cases by 2022.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
