New gin group created

Preliminary figures from the CSO suggest that 2017 may see a significant and unprecedented increase in exports of gin from Ireland and Nielsen figures suggest that on-trade gin sales have grown by 31.6% year-on-year to May 2017 to reach €74 million.

The Irish Spirits Association hosted the inaugural meeting of Ireland’s gin producers recently to help represent this emerging group in Ireland’s food and drink sector. This new group will provide a strong voice for one of Ireland’s fastest-growing sectors.

Managing Director of The Shed Distillery Pat Rigney was elected Chair of the new group and the Department of Agriculture and Food was also represented at the meeting where regulatory issues affecting producers were discussed.

The meeting provided a forum to scope out key issues affecting the sector and it was agreed that their number one priority was to support the creation of a legally-recognised standard for Irish gin.

“Recent years have seen a resurgence in the market for gin as consumers seek to try out different brands,” said William Lavelle, Head of the Irish Spirits Association, “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 Irish brands with over 30 now on the market.

“While the domestic market has been key 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 Spirits Association is working to support the continued growth of Irish spirits exports in line with the FoodWise 2025 strategy.”

 

Gin Producers in Attendance

1. Irish Distillers (Cork) – Cork Dry Gin
2. The Shed Distillery (Leitrim) – Gunpowder, Von Hallers
3. Echlinville Distillery (Down) – Echlinville, Jawbox
4. Dingle Distillery (Kerry) – Dingle
5. Glendalough Distillery (Wicklow) – Glendalough Botanicals
6. The Connacht Whiskey Company (Mayo) – Conncullin
7. Boann Distillery (Louth)
8. West Cork Distillers Ltd (Cork)- Two Trees, Garnish Island
9. Rademon Estate Distillery (Down) – Shortcross
10. Pearse Lyons Distillery/Alltech (Dublin) – Ha’penny
11. Chinnery Spirits Ltd (Dublin)