Launched today, the second annual Irish Whiskey Global report builds on last year’s edition. The report calls for more trade with positive partners; and for sustainability and supply chains to be put at the heart of future international trade policy.
William Lavelle, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association, said: “2021 was a year of rebound for Irish whiskey with a record 14 million cases (168 million bottles) sold around the world, and this year looks set to be another outstanding year for export growth. Overall, Irish whiskey exports will grow again strongly in 2022, facilitated by supportive international trade policy".
Global sales of Irish Whiskey grew by over 21% in volume compared to 2020.
The report calls for action on five fronts to progress the global free trade agenda:
Reducing tariffs on Irish Whiskey – to grow exports and strengthen consumer choice
Protecting cross-border supply chains in the all-island Irish Whiskey industry through supportive rules-of-origin
Promoting sustainability through trade agreements
Securing and enforcing level playing fields for Irish Whiskey in export markets
Avoiding future trade disputes
Globally, as has been the trend for several years, consumers are drinking less but drinking better and Irish Whiskey is recording increasing growth at higher-points, supported by increasing supply of aged-statement expressions.
Reflecting on sustainability, 78 per cent of producers have switched suppliers to secure a more sustainable or resilient supply chain. Across all markets, Irish Whiskey is attracting more and more new consumers every year, particularly among younger Millennials & Gen Z cohorts for whom Irish Whiskey is the ‘spirit du jour’.
Find, download, and read the full report here on the Drinks Ireland website.
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