Irish Whiskey Association celebrates record exports on International Irish Whiskey Day
On International Irish Whiskey Day, the Irish Whiskey Association announces over €1 billion in exports and a significant rise in global demand, particularly in India. With a strong heritage, the industry aims to bolster its international appeal and continue its growth trajectory.
On Monday, 3rd March 2025, the Irish Whiskey Association is marking International Irish Whiskey Day by showcasing the sector's notable accomplishments, particularly in export growth. In 2024, the overall exports of Irish Whiskey exceeded the €1 billion mark, signifying a robust performance in the industry.
The release of the Irish Whiskey Association’s latest “Irish Whiskey in Numbers” data set, supported by insights from Bord Bia and the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR), revealed that sales of Irish Whiskey surpassed 15 million cases last year. This spike reflects sustained global demand, with India emerging as a significant market, witnessing a remarkable 107% increase in exports.
Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association, expressed optimism about the industry's trajectory, attributing the success to the innovation and dedication of Irish Whiskey producers. In a statement to Irish Whiskey Magazine, Ó Catháin said, “The success of the Irish Whiskey sector is due to the innovation, resilience and hard work of our Irish Whiskey producers – passionate distillers that are found in almost every county in Ireland, deeply proud of the heritage of Irish Whiskey.” He further noted the importance of heritage, highlighting the celebration of 700 years of Irish Whiskey tradition, noting that last year marked seven centuries since the publication of the Red Book of Ossory, which contained the earliest known instructions for distilling aqua vitae or uisce beatha, now understood as whiskey. Ó Catháin concluded, saying that the “ongoing hard work and ingenuity of Irish Whiskey producers provides a solid platform for the next 700 years!”
Irish Whiskey predominantly serves international markets, with approximately 90% of production earmarked for export. Its status as a Geographical Indication (GI) product, established in 1989, means it can only be distilled on the island of Ireland and adheres to stringent production standards. Currently, Irish Whiskey is available in 113 markets globally, with legal protection in over 90% of those regions.
The impact of Irish Whiskey extends beyond exports; it plays a crucial role in the Irish economy, underpinning over 10,000 jobs in the Brewing and Distilling sector. Additionally, this industry stimulates employment in related fields including hospitality, tourism, and agriculture. The Irish Whiskey Association initiated Irish Whiskey 360° to enhance awareness of distillery tours and visitor experiences, attracting over 800,000 visitors in the past year to member distilleries, indicating a growing interest in the rich history and diverse offerings of Irish Whiskey.
IQFDA 2024 Whiskey winners
We had 5 outstanding entries into the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards in 2024:
Aldi Ardfallen Whiskey, Sazerac Ireland | Bronze |
Lidl Dundalgan Triple Distilled Blended Irish Whiskey, West Cork Distillers | Bronze
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Lidl Dundalgan Whiskey Gift Pack, West Cork Distillers | Bronze
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Lidl Western Gold Bourbon Whiskey, Eckerts | Bronze
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Aldi Ardfallen Triple Cask Whiskey, Old Carrick Mill Distillery | Silver |
Meet the full list of 2025 drinks winners here: https://irish.qualityfoodawards.com/IQFDA2025/en/page/2024-winners-drinks
As the industry celebrates its successes today, it looks forward to continuing its growth and international appeal in the coming years.
Enter the 2025 IQFDAs here: https://irish.qualityfoodawards.com/IQFDA2025/en/page/enter-awards