The Irish Whiskey Association Celebrates International Women’s Day and Progress on Gender Balance

The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA), the Ibec trade association representing the Irish Whiskey sector, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Women in Irish Whiskey, an initiative dedicated to supporting and advancing the role of women across the Irish Whiskey industry. As part of this commitment, the IWA is a key sponsor of today’s International Women’s Day Industry Event at Teeling Whiskey Distillery, bringing together industry leaders to celebrate the achievements of women in the sector and discuss the future of Irish Whiskey.

Helen Mulholland, Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association, welcomed this initiative: “I was delighted to be appointed the first female Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association last December and I am pleased to join those celebrating International Woman’s Day today. The Irish Whiskey sector is dynamic and innovative like the women who work in it and we must continue our work to ensure opportunities to grow and progress are available to everyone in Irish Whiskey”

Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association, further noted: “The Irish Whiskey Association’s latest Sustainability Survey reflects progress in this area, with preliminary results indicating that 100% of respondents having a Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) plan in place, and that workforce is moving towards greater gender balance. Even more encouragingly, this is more pronounced at Manager and Director levels, showing that more women are stepping into leadership roles and shaping the industry’s future. It’s an exciting time for Irish Whiskey, and I look forward to seeing more progress in the years ahead.”

Today’s event, featuring leaders from Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Skellig Six18, the Kentucky Distillers Association, and Heaven Hill, provides a valuable opportunity for networking and discussion on key industry topics, including whiskey tourism and evolving consumer trends.

The Irish Whiskey Association remains committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic industry, ensuring that Irish Whiskey continues to thrive on the global stage.

ENDS
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Notes to editor:

• On March 7th, Women in Irish Whiskey will host its third annual International Women’s Day Industry Event at Teeling Whiskey Distillery and is sponsored by The Irish Whiskey Association. This exclusive event will bring together industry leaders from Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Skellig Six18, the Kentucky Distillers Association, and Heaven Hill for an insightful discussion on whiskey tourism, changing consumer demographics, and evolving market trends. The event will celebrate the contributions of women across all functions of the whiskey industry and provide a valuable networking opportunity for the 85+ women professionals in attendance.
• The Irish Whiskey Association is the representative trade association of the Irish Whiskey sector, and advocates for 48 Irish Whiskey companies on an all-island basis.
• Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association, is available for comment both through English and as Gaeilge.
• Heather Clancy, founder, is available for comment on behalf of Women in Irish Whiskey.