FDBusiness.com

The Irish drinks industry has pledged support for the Government’s new ten year strategy for the agri-food sector, Food Wise 2025. Ross MacMathuna, director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland, the representative group for drinks manufacturers and suppliers in Ireland says: “Food Wise 2025 predicts that over the next decade Ireland can increase the value of agri-food exports by 85% to €19 billion, increase value added to the sector by 70% and increase the value of primary production by 65%. The drinks industry is a firm ally in realising these objectives and will make a valuable contribution to Ireland’s exciting agri-food sector over the next 10 years.”

The Irish whiskey sector is set to invest €1.1 billion by 2025. There are 26 new or proposed distilleries across the country, with annual exports of over €300 million, up 220% since 2003. Exports are set to double by 2020 and double again by 2030. The sector currently exports to 77 markets and aspires to grow global market share by 300% by 2030, from 4% to 12%. Employment is also set to grow by 30% by 2025, from 5,000 to 6,500.

The brewing sector will also have a huge role to play, with beer production remaining the most important sector within the drinks industry in terms of indigenous manufacturing. The brewing sector has continued to invest over the past few years, with exports up 7% between 2012 and 2013. Direct employment now stands at almost 2,000, up from 1,500 in 2012 and the brewing sector continues to support over 3,000 farming families.