Sales of Irish Cream liqueur has increased by 10% in Ireland since 2015.
“Irish Cream liqueur continues to sell and grow, driven by innovation and creativity in the sector," said Vincent McGovern, head of drinks Ireland|Spirits.
Irish Cream liqueur producers and brand owners are looking forward to a surge in consumer interest this Christmas.
New Products
Innovation in the category, including the introduction of new flavours, has meant the category has experienced a revival in recent years and is now enjoyed throughout the year.
"New flavours and ways in which to enjoy Irish Cream liqueur, have ensured that consumers are turning to the product throughout the year on different occasions, proving it’s not just a spirit for the festive period, and helping it on its road to growth." He said.
Innovation and Cocktails
First launched in 1975, Irish Cream liqueur is a mixture of Irish Whiskey, Irish cream, and other ingredients and has come a long way from its humble beginnings, but a sense of creativity has remained at the core of what producers do today.
Inspired by the rich history of the product, producers in recent years have tapped into some popular flavours and have promoted the product’s use in, for example, coffees and desserts, helping Irish Cream liqueur reach new consumers.
Proving the product is not just for Christmas, innovation has seen ‘Strawberries and Cream’, become a summer favourite, and ‘Pumpkin Spice’ take the lead into the autumn and Halloween.
Original Irish Cream liqueur products are also proving to be firm favourites and can be enjoyed in an array of delicious cocktails, over ice, or in warm drinks like coffee.
Geographic Indication
Irish Cream liqueur, like Irish whiskey, is protected at an EU level by a Geographic Indication (GI), which is legal protection that ensures it must be made on the island of Ireland, in accordance with certain production standards.
Other EU products that enjoy this protection include Champagne and Port.
This prevents against cheap knock offs or copycat products, as within five years of it being first launched, there were numerous genuine Irish Cream liqueur brands being produced in Ireland and many fake brands on offer in other countries around the world.
This protection ensures that the innately Irish spirit, produced to the highest quality, is enjoyed throughout the world and in the United States and UK in particular, with global sales increasing by 5.32% between 2017 and 2018.
Irish Cream liqueur brands
Irish Cream liqueur brands include Baileys, Merrys, Carolans, Five Farms, Bradys, The Irishman, St Brendans, Mollys, Feeneys and Cremó.
McGovern added: "There are now numerous producers and brand owners, located across Ireland, creating an array of different Irish Cream liqueur drinks.”
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
