The Irish Spirits Association (ISA) has recently hosted an inaugural meeting for Irish gin producers, with a view to create a new 'gin group' to provide a 'strong voice for one of 'Ireland’s fastest growing sectors'.
In a statement it was noted, that the number one priority for Irish gin producers is to 'create a legally-recognised standard for Irish Gin'.
It outlined that preliminary figures from the CSO suggested that in Ireland, gin has grown by 31.6% year-on-year.
“Recent years have seen a resurgence in the market for gin as consumers seek to try out different brands." William Lavelle, head of the Irish Spirits Association, said.
"Consumers are looking at new combinations for which this age-old product can complement modern tastes. In Ireland, this resurgence in interest has been matched by an explosion in the number of brands of Irish gin producers with over 30 Irish brands now on the market.”
The CSO figures also forecasted that 2017 may see a 'significant and unprecedented increase in exports of gin from Ireland'.
“While the domestic market has been key for to this growth, competition and innovation in the sector is also leading to export growth opportunities." Lavelle added.
At the recent event, Pat Rigney, Managing Director of The Shed Distillery was elected chair of the new group.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
