Resilience Innovation and Diversification drive Irish Drinks Exports
Drinks Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the sector has welcomed the news that Irish drinks exports grew by 19% in 2024, generating €2.1 billion in export earnings across 113 markets internationally. The figures are contained in the Bord Bia Export Performance and Prospects report published today (08/01/2025).
Speaking on the publication, Drinks Ireland Director Cormac Healy said:
"The recovery in exports is very encouraging, given that Irish drinks exporters, particularly distillers, are contending with extremely competitive international markets and strong economic headwinds arising from the persistent impact of inflation, cautious consumer spending, interest rates, supply-chain pressures, and changes in consumer purchasing patterns. Market conditions have been challenging since late 2023 and throughout 2024. Against this backdrop, the export performance delivered is testament to the resilience of Irish drinks producers and exporters, to their innovation and to their hard work finding new markets and customers. Irish drinks producers have proven time and again, that quality shines through, and we are pleased to see our products, particularly those who enjoy a Protected Geographical Indication status (Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Poitín), sold in 113 markets worldwide.
"Irish Whiskey remains our largest export category, exceeding €1 billion in export value, up 13% on previous year. This was followed by Irish Cream which saw exports increase by 5% to €380 million and beer exports of €325 million, up 2% on 2023. Cider exports increased in value by 1% to reach €80 million and Irish Gin exports showed a strong increase of 23%.
"Diversification across global markets is clearly evident in today’s data, as exporters work in conjunction with Bord Bia to develop new markets and channels. Irish Whiskey saw sales increases in key emerging markets such as South Africa (+21%), Japan (+35%), India (100%), Australia (+66%) and China (+60%). Irish Cream exports are seeing growth in South and Central America and beer exports into the US grew by 8%. Our overall drinks exports also recovered ground in our main established markets such as the US, UK, and EU".
Drinks Ireland noted that the report sounds a cautious note for exports in 2025 as markets continue to adjust to cost pressures at consumer level. The group said it continues to emphasise the importance of increased investment through state agencies such as Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland to support the export growth ambition of the sector and said it looked forward to working with the new Government, state agencies and its members on export market development, diversification, and product innovation. It said that equally important was the maintenance of a strong and constructive relationship with the US.
Mr Healy also said:
"Drinks Ireland and the Irish Whiskey Association will continue to undertake vitally important work in conjunction with Government and the European Commission to ensure that our Geographic Indication (GI) products are appropriately protected in international markets".
