Irish gin producers will be marking World Gin Day (tomorrow, Saturday 8 June 2019) by celebrating recent growth in the sector.
There are now over 26 Irish gin producers and over 60 Irish gin brands, according to Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI).
3,883,000 bottles of gin were sold in Ireland in 2018, up nearly 32% on 2017, the group that represents the alcohol industry in Ireland said.
“Over the past few years Irish gin producers have tapped into the growing national and global demand for quality gin, achieving remarkable growth. From a low export base, Irish producers are now achieving significant sales at home and in markets across Europe and beyond," Vincent McGovern, head of the ISA.
Breakthrough Success
Notably, Irish consumers purchased over half a million bottles of pink gin, making it the breakthrough success story of the year, the ABFI outlined in a statement.
'This comes as overall alcohol consumption continues to decline in Ireland, decreasing by 23.3% since 2001,' the group highlighted.
“With a host of new brands and innovations, the gin revolution has also benefited Irish consumers, who now have more choice than ever," said McGovern.
Irish gin is emerging as a category for the international consumer.
In 2018 the value of gin exports increased by an exceptional 211%, from €1.9 million in 2017 to €6.04 million in 2018. As the Irish gin supply base expands in response to global trends, double-digit growth was recorded in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Italy and Germany last year.
“With the huge number of gin brands on the market Irish producers, especially new and developing entrants to the market, will have to put a renewed emphasis on export growth," he added.
"Maintaining current growth levels will become as important as driving new growth.”
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
