Bryan Fallon from Heaven Hill Brands appointed Chair of Drinks Ireland|Spirits

Bryan Fallon, Managing Director Heaven Hill Ireland, brand owner of Carolan’s Irish Cream liqueur and Irish Mist Honey liqueur has been elected for a two year term as Chair of Drinks Ireland|Spirits, the representative body responsible for promoting the interests of the Irish spirits industry.

Heaven Hill Ireland is a subsidiary of US based Heaven Hill Brands. Acquired in 2017, Carolan’s and Irish Mist have a rich Irish history. Heaven Hill Brands is recognized globally for its leading portfolio of brands including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Lunazul, Deep Eddy and Black Velvet.

Mr. Fallon, who was previously Vice-Chair, will take over from Pat Rigney of The Shed Distillery who stepped up to take the Chairmanship of Drinks Ireland.

David Boyd-Armstrong, Head Distiller & Operations Director at the Rademon Estate Distillery, which creates Shortcross Gin, has been elected as Vice-Chair.

Drinks Ireland|Spirits was established in 1997 and acts as a voice to national and EU policy makers for issues such as taxation, trade and the ongoing international protection of Ireland’s Geographic Indicators (GIs). Drinks Ireland|Spirits is part of Drinks Ireland, the representative organisation for alcoholic drinks manufacturers and suppliers on the island of Ireland.

Speaking about his appointment, Bryan Fallon said:

“Ireland has a dynamic spirits industry, that has seen domestic sales and exports increase in recent years. As with other parts of the drinks industry, the spirits sector has been negatively impacted by Covid-19. It also faced uncertainty in recent times because of Brexit and the trans-Atlantic tariff disputes which particularly effected Irish Cream exports. I look forward to working with the industry to navigate the challenges ahead, as we work to deliver growth again post-Covid.”

Head of Drinks Ireland|Spirits, Vincent McGovern said:

“While a challenging time for the industry, I have no doubt that Bryan Fallon and David Boyd-Armstrong will bring their invaluable experience and expertise to the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair, and I look forward to working with them. I also want to thank Pat Rigney for his tireless work for the industry during his time as Chair of Drinks Ireland|Spirits.”

Media queries: Colin Taylor, Q4PR, 0864671748