merrion street

Speaking during his visit to the US to promote agri-food exports to the US, investment in the food industry in Ireland and strong trading relationships, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney emphasised the importance of the drinks sector to exports and to economic activity in Ireland.

The Irish beverage sector is now a billion euro industry with a global reputation for quality and sales in over 100 countries worldwide. Irish Whiskey exports alone in 2011 were valued at €222 million representing a 25% increase on the previous year. It is among the fastest growing spirit categories in the world. The largest export market is the USA where 1.4 million cases of Irish Whiskey were sold in 2010 – up from 728,000 cases in 2006.

Read the full press release here.