Ireland's gin revolution continues with creation of new gin group
Wednesday, 30 August 2017
#1 priority for Irish gin producers is creation of a legally-recognised standard for Irish Gin
30th August 2017: The Irish Spirits Association today hosted the inaugural meeting of Ireland’s Gin producers, to represent this remerging Irish food and drink sector. Recent figures suggest that gin has grown by 31.6% year-on-year, in on-trade value to reach €74 million. Mirroring this, preliminary figures from the CSO suggest that 2017 may see a significant and unprecedented increase in exports of gin from Ireland. This new group will provide a strong voice for one of Ireland’s fastest growing sectors.
The inaugural meeting of Irish gin producers provided a forum to scope out key issues affecting the sector. The group agreed that their number one priority was to support the creation of a legally-recognised standard for Irish Gin. Pat Rigney, Managing Director of The Shed Distillery was elected chair of the new group. The Department of Agriculture and Food was also represented at the meeting, where regulatory issues affecting producers was discussed.
Speaking about the meeting, head of the Irish Spirits Association, William Lavelle said, “Recent years have seen a resurgence in the market for gin as consumer seek to try out different brands. 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.”
“While the domestic market has been key for to this growth, competition and innovation in the sector is also leading to export growth opportunities. Many Irish Gin producers are working with Bord Bia to enter new markets and increase their exports. The Irish Spirts Association is working to support the continued growth of Irish spirits exports in line with the FoodWise 2025 strategy.”
ENDS/
For more information, please contact:
Aidan O’Connor- Q4PR – 01 475 1444 / 087 634 2119
Images issued to picture desks by Fennels and are available upon request
Gin Producers in Attendance:
Irish Distillers (Cork)- Cork Dry Gin
The Shed Distillery (Leitrim)- Gunpowder, Von Hallers
Echlinville Distillery (Down)- Echlinville, Jawbox
Dingle Distillery (Kerry)- Dingle
Glendalough Distillery (Wicklow)- Glendalough Botanicals
The Connacht Whiskey Company (Mayo)- Conncullin
Boann Distillery (Louth)
West Cork Distillers Ltd. (Cork)- Two Trees, Garnish Island
Rademon Estate Distillery (Down)- Shortcross
Pearse Lyons Distillery /Alltech (Dublin)- Ha'penny
Chinnery Spirits Ltd (Dublin)
About the Irish Spirits Association:
The Irish Spirits Association (ISA) is a part of the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland - the trade association that represents brewers, distillers, brand owners and distributors in Ireland - which is a part of Ibec.
It was established in 1997 to promote the interests of the Irish spirits industry in Ireland and internationally. The ISA is an effective voice amongst national and EU policy makers for issues such as taxation, labelling and the ongoing international protection of Ireland’s Geographic Indicators (GIs): Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream Liqueur and Irish Poitín/Poteen.
The objective of the Association is to ensure that optimal international trading conditions exist for the Irish spirits industry. Membership is open to all branded spirits manufacturers and suppliers.
The Association offers information, representation and advice to its members, and provides a forum for members to network and collaborate on issues that impact the industry.