Economic contribution

Ireland is our anchor and however far we stray, it tells all how far we’ve come...

Wine comfortably remains the nation’s second favourite alcohol beverage, after beer. However, the per capita consumption rate has continued to decline, with a 1.4% reduction in 2019. This decline in per capita consumption is in line with the overall downward trend in alcohol consumption.

In 2019, the sector paid €378 million in excise to the exchequer which was a marginal increase of €2 million from the previous year. Over the past decade wine excise has generated over €3 billion to the exchequer making it an important part of the wider drinks economy.

• An export powerhouse with products in over 120 markets worth €2 billion.
• Domestically, the drinks industry contributed €2.6 billion in VAT and excise payments to the Irish exchequer.
• Both craft producers, and the established players are developing new and exciting products, becoming one of Ireland’s most forward-thinking innovative sectors.
• There are now 45 operational Irish whiskey distilleries, up from only four in 2010.
• There are over 37 Irish gin producers on the island of Ireland and an estimated 70 plus Irish gin brands in Ireland.
• There are 8 facilities in Ireland producing Irish Cream and 15 Poitín producers.
• One major Irish off-licence operator lists 61 Irish IPA beers, 14 Irish lagers, 36 Irish pale ales and 65 Irish whiskeys in its product range.
• An estimated 50,000 tonnes of Irish apples are purchased every year for cider.
• The industry is supported with grain production from more than 2,000 farmers producing approximately 300,000 tonnes of grain from approximately 45,000 hectares.

The Experience Economy
Drinks companies are at the heart of the Experience Economy which spends almost €4 billion every year, on purchases of goods and services, which help ensure your experience is an enjoyable one, including over €1 billion in purchases from domestic food and drink suppliers. The sector has also played a major role in developing the all-island economy and has been an important source of employment North and South of the border.