Northern Ireland Spirits Industry Outlines Key Policy Priorities to Secure Future Growth at event in House of Commons
Drinks Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the all-island Irish drinks sector, brought together Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn, Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Matthew Patrick, Minister of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Angela Eagle and members of the Houses of Commons and Lords with distillers and spirits producers from Northern Ireland in Westminster Palace on 24th March to celebrate the spirits sector of Northern Ireland.
The event celebrated the growth of the Northern Ireland distilling industry and its significant contribution to the economy of Northern Ireland and was sponsored by Member of Parliament for Strangford Jim Shannon MP. Drinks Ireland members Rademon Estate Distillery, Bushmills Distillery, Echlinville Distillery, Niche Drinks, Belfast Distillery, Hinch Distillery and Titanic Distillery all participated in the event which shone a spotlight on a sector that embodies Northern Ireland’s heritage, resilience and global ambition.
Northern Ireland producers of Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream, Gin and Poitín are preserving traditions while driving economic growth in the region through the creation of skilled jobs, tourist experience centres and strong local supply chains. This has led to significant export success in recent years, with over one million cases of whiskey shipped worldwide each year.
As global ambassadors, these spirits introduce international audiences to Northern Ireland while attracting more than 120,000 visitors annually to distillery experiences, underscoring the sector’s vital contribution to tourism and the wider economy.
Alongside celebrating growth, the sector outlined several key asks of government to help secure its long‑term success in the current turbulent trading environment.
Producers highlighted the impact that successive excise increases have had on the sector, with alcohol excise in the UK increasing over 18% in the last three years. It was stressed that this cost is often borne by manufacturers, rather than pass through to consumer price. The need for a pause on excise increases in order to ensure a sustainable domestic market for products was highlighted.
In the face of significant trade uncertainty, producers called on Government and political attendees to continue pressing for a return to zero‑for‑zero tariff arrangements with the important US market. The sector also emphasised the importance of the Government’s bilateral trade deal agenda to remove barriers and expand export opportunities. The recent UK-India trade agreement was welcomed. Distillers also highlighted the importance of the strong partnerships with the Department for Business and Trade and Invest NI, to support producers diversifying into new markets. The industry also stressed the importance of protecting all‑island supply chains in future trade frameworks, particularly in relation to Rules of Origin.
Co-founder and Head Distiller of Rademon Estate Distillery, David Boyd Armstrong said:
“Northern Ireland’s spirits sector has undergone a remarkable renaissance, from a single distillery a century ago to a thriving industry of 13 today. This rebirth is not just romantic—it is an economic engine. The major economic contribution of the spirits sector is felt in every corner of Northern Ireland through the creating highly skilled, sustainable jobs across rural and urban communities alike, export revenue generation and supporting strong, deeply rooted local and national supply chains. With the right marriage of economic innovative and government support, we can continue to create opportunities and growth.”
Mr Jim Shannon, MP said:
“I was delighted to host this celebration of the Northern Ireland Spirits sector. I have always been so impressed by this sector, not only the quality of the products produced, but the commitment and communities behind it. This sector represents local pride and local jobs, and it deserves continued attention and support. Today was an important reminder of just how far we’ve come and how much further we can go."
Director of Drinks Ireland, Cormac Healy said:
“This event was an opportunity to step back and recognise the breadth of ambition in Northern Ireland’s spirits industry. Producers here are looking outward, investing, innovating, and competing internationally with confidence. The conversations today with Ministers and parliamentarians were constructive and forward‑looking, focused on how we ensure this industry has the conditions it needs to grow. There is a real opportunity for Northern Ireland to continue carving out its place as a leading producer on the global spirit’s map.”
Media Contact:
Sabrina D’Angelo, Q4PR, sabrina@q4pr.ie, 086 032 3397
Eimear White, Q4PR, eimear@q4pr.ie , 086 829 7825
