#SpiritofSharing @Bordbia
Bord Bia brought together 20 Irish drinks companies and key UK trade and media influencers for its first “Spirit of Sharing” event at the Irish Embassy in London this evening. For eleven of the Irish companies, it was a first introduction to this valuable market. The purpose of the event was to increase awareness among UK retailers, distributors, food and drink writers and bloggers of the growing Irish drinks industry and provide a platform for exporters and potential customers to build fruitful relationships. The highlight of the Bord Bia event was the one-to-one engagement between the eighty or so invitees and the twenty producers, with guests learning about the individual brands and the unique characteristics of the products and Irish producers received invaluable feedback. Dominic Roskrow, Fortnum and Mason Drink Writer of the Year 2015 and Charlie McCarthy from “All about the Cocktail” and a drinks specialist in cocktail menu creation and spirit brand training, shared their knowledge and insights into the Irish drinks industry in an Irish pub where renowned bartender Gillian Boyle formerly of Fade St Social in Dublin and now of Callooh Cally, London prepared personalised cocktails for guests using Irish produce.
In his welcome address Ambassador Dan Mulhall said “the Spirit of Sharing” brings together those who want to see the Irish drinks industry thrive and realise its full potential. "Exports of Irish drinks to the UK were valued at €204 million in 2015, accounting for around 29% of total exports for the sector. Premium spirits benefit from the demand for quality products in international markets. There is a growing appreciation of fine foods and spirits, and a desire for products with genuine heritage. It is no surprise then that Irish whiskey is the fastest growing product in the global spirits category, recording fourfold growth over the last decade with an ambition to double exports by 2020. Similarly our craft brewing sector currently has over 50 operational microbreweries with 40% of them currently exporting. This number is set to exceed 100 by 2020. I am delighted to support our high quality drinks' producers in extending their presence in the British market, to the benefit of jobs and prosperity in Ireland."
Six Irish Whiskey companies attended the Spirit of Sharing event - Glendalough Distillery, Hyde Distillery, Jameson, Teeling Whiskey, Tullamore Dew and Walsh Whiskey - along with five Craft Beer companies, namely, Carlow Brewing, Clever Man, Galway Hooker, The White Hag Brewery and Wicklow Wolfe. In addition, four Irish Cream Liqueur producers participated - Coole Swan, Kerrygold Cream Liqueur, Na Cuana and Quintessential Brands - with four Irish Gin companies and one Poitin company including Ballyvalone Spirits, Blackwater Distillery, Glendalough Distillery, Highbank Orchards, St. Patricks Distillery and Ban Poitin.
Bord Bia`s UK Market Manager, Michelle Butler was convinced the Irish companies participating would reap the benefits of the exposure to renowned opinion formers and potential customers that the “Spirit of Sharing” provided. “Market and consumer insight drives everything we do in Bord Bia and this event provides invaluable material for us as we grow the drinks industry to become the most recognised source of premium craft drinks in the world” she said.
Irish Drinks Export Performance
Irish beverage exports put in a robust performance in 2015 driven by ongoing growth in whiskey combined with a further rise in ‘craft’ exports while favourable exchange rates also boosted exports. Exports of Irish beverages were valued at €1.1 Billion in 2015, an increase of 10% on the previous year. Exports to the UK were valued at €204 million accounting for around 29% of total exports. Whiskey exports continue to drive Irish beverage exports with double digit growth recorded again in 2015 to reach an estimated €410 million. This rise was led by increased trade to the United States with the Eastern European markets showing impressive growth levels. Growth was also recorded in Asia, Africa, Oceania and the UK.
Cream liqueur exports were worth an estimated €295 million. Beer exports are estimated to have recorded volume growth in 2015 as stronger trade to the UK while other EU markets and the United States helped boost trade. Exports for the year are estimated to have reached around €265 million, a rise of over 10% on 2014 levels. Trade is also being boosted by the increased presence of craft beer exports to some key markets.