Ireland’s drinks industry continues to expand into new and emerging export markets like Angola, Japan and South Korea, according to a new analysis of Eurostat data and Bord Bia research by Drinks Ireland.
According to the latest Bord Bia research, the US was the largest market for Irish drinks exports in 2019, followed by the UK, France, Germany and Canada.
While these larger and more established destinations will continue to dominate in the coming years, trade challenges associated with Brexit and US tariffs mean Irish drinks producers will continue to look further afield to maintain growth, the group that represents the drinks industry said in a statement.
“With ongoing global trade uncertainties in the UK and the USA as a result of Brexit and tariffs, it’s promising to see that Irish drinks brands are diversifying into new and emerging markets," said Patricia Callan, director of Drinks Ireland.
“Consumers around the world are responding positively to the quality and heritage associated with these products, as well as their great taste."
Sectorial and Market Highlights
South Africa
According to Bord Bia, emerging consumers with disposable income are spending more on imported drinks in South Africa and Irish whiskey exporters are well placed to take advantage of this over the coming years.
Already, South Africa has emerged to become the seventh largest market for Irish whiskey in terms of volume.
Exports were valued at €12.8 million in 2018, the group highlighted.
In August, Drinks Ireland secured legal protection for Irish whiskey in South Africa, meaning that only Irish whiskey made on the island of Ireland, in accordance to certain standards, could be labelled and sold as such there.
Also, as the Irish gin supply base expands in response to global trends, double-digit growth was recorded in South Africa in 2018.
Elsewhere in Africa, exports of Irish whiskey to Kenya and Angola were valued at just under €1 million each in 2018, at €900,348 and €975,204 respectively.
Nigeria
Growth of the middle class driving Irish Cream Liqueur sales in Nigeria
Cream liqueur is experiencing renewed growth in Nigeria, and Irish Cream Liqueur, which has an established presence in Nigeria and has earned the trust of consumers, is taking advantage of this.
Exports were worth €2.2 million in 2018, the data showed.
Tailored for local tastes, Bailey’s sold in Nigeria has vanilla from Madagascar and Cocoa from West Africa.
First Ireland Spirits, which has brands including O'Mara's Irish Country Cream and Feeny's Irish Cream Liqueur, exports to Nigeria.
Eastern Europe
Poland is one of Ireland's top ten EU markets for food and drink, and Irish drinks exports have grown significantly there in recent years, with further potential for growth identified in the premium and super premium categories, offering additional opportunities for Irish whiskey and premium beer, the report showed.
Exports of Irish beer to Poland are strong, valued at €1.9 million in 2018.
Elsewhere in Eastern Europe, exports of beer to Austria were valued at €2.2 million in 2018. Austria has the second highest consumption of beer per capita worldwide.
Russia
Russia remains a major market for Irish spirits and we see from Bord Bia’s research that exports to Latvia, an important point of on-ward shipping to the Russian market, remained strong, valued at €48 million in 2019.
Japan
Irish beer and whiskey take on local brands in Japan.
Bord Bia research found that Japan was the largest Asian market for Irish alcohol in 2019, with the value of exports rising by 9% to €10 million.
“Irish whiskey and cream liqueur in particular are well-positioned to continue to grow, as they are both protected by Geographic Indications, which means they must be made in Ireland and abide by certain standards, " Callan added.
Despite the fact that Irish whiskey has to compete against Japanese whisky, exports were valued at €1.4 million in 2018, according to Eurostat data.
The signing of an EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement in 2018 means that Irish whiskey is legally protected in Japan.
Leading brands such as Tullamore Dew, Jameson, Bushmills and Teeling are spearheading the success of Irish whiskey in Japan.
Irish whiskey and cream liqueur set sights on Latin America following trade deal
Latin America
In July 2019 a trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur member countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) was signed, which will significantly increase opportunities for drinks producers in these markets, reducing tariffs over four years.
In 2018, exports of Irish whiskey to Brazil were valued at €691,211, so there is scope for growth.
Elsewhere in Latin America, exports of Irish liqueurs were valued at €5.7 million to Mexico and €934,208 to Colombia in 2018.
Australia
Irish cider exports have remained relatively static in recent years, and producers have focused on the more established markets like the UK.
Australia is a market of note, with exports valued at €1,404,772 in 2018, the report showed.
In 2019, the value of Irish exports was valued of €1.45 billion, up 8% from 2018.
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
