New Markets Insight series aims to support Irish whiskey export growth and market diversification

February 09, 2021

Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey, the representative body for the Irish whiskey industry is tomorrow launching a series of Market Insights webinars as part of their ‘The Knowledge Still’ programme.

The first event is an expert panel discussion on ‘The Future for Global Travel Retail’ webinar taking place at 3pm on Wednesday, 10th February and will focus on expert assessments on the important travel retail/duty free sales channels in the context of both Covid-19 and Brexit.

At least eight events are planned during 2021 as part of the new Market Insights series which is aimed at giving members companies access to expert presentations and discussion on consumer and markets trends in established markets and key issues in emerging markets. The second event in the series will take place on March 4 on the theme of ‘Introduction to East African markets’. The association will be working with interested member companies to advance market access and promotion initiatives in the markets featured in the series.

William Lavelle, Head of Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey stated: “Our Knowledge Still programme has become well-known over recent years for offering workshops and support to Irish whiskey companies and staff on a range of technical matters. We are now extending this to offer important market insights on both established and markets, with a view to supporting further Irish whiskey export growth and market diversification. This is even more important as Covid-19 has prevented our members from being able to visit markets.”

‘The Future for Global Travel Retail’ webinar will feature a panel of senior buyers from leading international travel retailer as well as experienced travel retail experts from within the spirits industry.

The discussion will be moderated by Denis O’Flynn of Clonakilty Distillery, Chairperson of the Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey Trade & Promotion Committee.

Sales of Irish whiskey in global travel retail reached 679,600 cases (nearly 8.2 million bottles) in 2019 but this figure is expected to have fallen significantly when 2020 sales figures become available.