The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) will travel with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed T.D. to Canada this week as part of an Irish Government trade mission, in association with Bord Bia.
Seventeen Irish whiskey companies will reportedly participate in the Toronto trade show which will take place in the Irish Embassy Pub and Grill, 49 Yonge St to promote Irish food and drinks products in the country.
Member companies on the mission reportedly include Irish Distillers, Walsh Whiskey, Tullamore D.E.W., Teeling Whiskey Company, Cooley Distillery, Chapelgate Whiskey, Glendalough Distillery, Dublin Liberties Distillery, Barr an Uisce Whiskey and Blackwater Distillery.
CETA
According to a recent statement the trade mission represents the first large-scale trade delegation to Canada since the recently negotiated Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect in September 2017.
“Canada is one of the fastest-growing markets worldwide for Irish whiskey. The CETA agreement has helped open up Canada for even more Irish whiskey export growth and our industry is determined to grasp the opportunities on offer.” William Lavelle, Head of the IWA, said.
Substantial Growth
Exports of Irish whiskey to Canada have 'grown substantially' over recent years, with export values reaching €16.7 million in 2016, up 171% since 2011.
Export values increased by a further 20.5% in the first 10 months of 2017, according to recently published CSO figures.
Lavelle said: “We see continuing double-digit growth in Irish whiskey exports to Canada, including to the large Irish diaspora population. We particularly see the potential for premium, authentic Irish whiskey brands to prosper in the Canadian market.”
“Clearly there is a growing demand for our quality Irish spirits in Canada. My visit will facilitate meetings to bring together Irish spirit companies with representatives of the key agencies and companies in the importation, distribution and retail alcohol sector in Canada to help develop and grow this market.” Minister Creed added.
© 2018 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
