DRINKS INDUSTRY IS THE POWERHOUSE DELIVERING IRELAND’S EXPORT GROWTH

WITH 10% YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH, THE SECTOR IS THE LEADING CONTRIBUTOR TO IRELAND EXPORT GROWTH

SECTOR WORTH €1.26BN IN EXPORTS EACH YEAR

13th January 2016 – New data from Bord Bia released today highlights the important role that the domestic drinks industry plays in delivering export growth. The sector was the strongest performer in export growth in 2015, with 10% increase in exports year-on-year. Key reasons for the strong export performance as highlighted in the Bord Bia report include: strong emerging market demand; favourable exchange rates; growth in whiskey demand; and strong demand from US, Africa and Asia.

Ross MacMathuna, Director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland, the representative group for drinks manufacturers and suppliers in Ireland said: “The drinks industry is the export powerhouse delivering growth for our food and drinks sector, and is wholly committed to making a make a valuable contribution to Ireland’s exciting agri-food sector and realising the

“Irish whiskey exports have recorded a fourfold increase over the last decade to make it the fastest growing global spirits category and it is set to invest a further €1.1bn in Ireland by 2025. There are 26 new or proposed distilleries across the country, with annual exports of over €300 million, up 220% since 2003. Exports are set to double by 2020 and double again by 2030. The sector currently exports to 77 markets and aspires to grow global market share by 300% by 2030, from 4% to 12%. Employment is also set to grow by 30% by 2025, from 5,000 to 6,500. “

“The brewing sector will also have a huge role to play, with beer production remaining the most important sector within the drinks industry in terms of indigenous manufacturing. The brewing sector has continued to invest over the past few years, with exports up 7% between 2012 and 2013. Direct employment now stands at almost 2,000, up from 1,500 in 2012 and the brewing sector continues to support over 3,000 farming families. There are currently over 50 operational microbreweries in Ireland with this figure set to exceed 100 by 2020”

ENDS/

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