Irish cream liqueur and Irish gin producers are taking part in a trade mission to Ontario, Canada, today and tomorrow, with the 'aim of increasing Ireland-Canada trade', according to a recent statement by the Irish Spirits Association (ISA).
ISA highlighted that the trade mission follows the recent Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada, which has resulted in tariff-elimination for both cream liqueur and gin and has removed a number for 'behind the border' trade restrictions, that previously acted as barriers to market access.
CETA Agreement
The CETA agreement reportedly contains protection for EU-recognised geographic indications (GIs).
Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur are protected at an EU level in a similar manner to Champagne in France or Parma hams in Italy, ISA noted.
The group explained thats this means that these Geographic Indicator (or GI) spirits must be produced on the island of Ireland, in accordance with certain production practices and standards (a technical file).
“The CETA deal has eliminated tariffs and opened up new opportunities for Ireland’s spirits industry in Canada, which has a large Irish diaspora population.” William Lavelle, Head of the Irish Spirits & Whiskey Associations, said.
Key Target Markets
“Irish cream liqueur and Irish gin producers have identified Canada as key target markets for future export growth.
The Irish spirits group said that it is joining a broader trade mission led by Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, in association with Bord Bia.
© 2018 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
