2018 was the first year that spirits exports were worth more than €1 billion to the Republic of Ireland’s economy, research shows.
Gin sales continued to grow in Ireland last year and showed a 31.8% in 2018, year-on-year, maintaining its position as the fastest growing spirit, according to a new report released by Drinks Ireland | Spirits today, which explores trends in spirits consumption at home and in our export markets.
Irish whiskey is the second most popular spirit in Ireland, as sales increased by 5.4% between 2017 and 2018.
Overall Increase
The report found that overall sales of spirits increased in Ireland by 6.6% between 2017 and 2018, this is despite the fact that overall alcohol consumption has declined from its peak in 2001.
“Ireland has a dynamic domestic spirits market and Irish spirits exports continue to grow as this report demonstrates," said Aoife Clarke, Chair of Drinks Ireland | Spirits and Senior Director of Public Affairs, International, Beam Suntory.
Despite strong performances by both gin and whiskey, vodka remained Ireland’s favourite spirits drink.
Irish cream liquors also performed well last year, with sales increasing by 2.9% in Ireland, the report showed.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
