Drinks Sector

Irish whiskey exports in 2024 totalled approximately €1 billion, up 13% on 2023. As a category, Irish whiskey remains the key drink export category, representing 49% of total value. There was solid growth across all geographies except the UK, which fell back by around 10% after a very strong performance in 2023.

Exports to the US were ahead by 11%, while shipments to Canada grew by around 29%. The US market accounts for about 40% of total whiskey exports.

While whiskey put in a good performance, the market remains very competitive. Several factors impacted the whiskey trade in 2024 including slow depletion rates, price pressures, and brand consolidation from both retail and on trade customers. The overall decline in the Total Beverage  Alcohol (TBA) market in export regions remained an issue in 2024 and is expected to continue into 2025. Premiumisation as a trend has slowed due to the squeeze on consumer spending but is expected to return in the medium term.

Irish cream liqueur exports rose by 5% to €380 million in 2024. Although 6% lower than two years previously, it returns the category to the steady growth seen before 2022. Exports to the US and Canada accounted for over 60% of total cream liqueur exports and grew by 13% and 8% respectively.

For the year to August 2024, exports to the EU were back by 9% while trade to the UK grew strongly to €25 million. Despite a good performance in the US and Canada, the market was challenging, with greater competition from non-Irish cream liqueurs and pressure on consumer spending. 

Irish beer exports increased by 2% to reach an estimated €325 million, building on the recovery in beer exports since 2022. Exports now exceed 2022 levels by 9%, emphasising the resilience of the Irish beer sector. Exports to the UK were 7% ahead, at almost €150 million.

EU markets were back by 7%. France was the key export market for beer, although exports fell by 14% to around €35 million. This followed a big increase in 2023 which resulted in high stock levels in the market coming into 2024. The German market was slightly higher at €20 million, and there were small reductions in exports to both Italy and Spain. Exports to the North American market were ahead by 8% totalling around €65 million.