Chinese Ambassador attends special ceremony in Drumshanbo to celebrate historic launch of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin in China
The Chinese Ambassador He Xiangdong and Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke attended a special ceremony at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim today (Tuesday 13th February 2024) to celebrate the historic launch of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin in China.
Pat and Denise Rigney (founders and owners of family-run The Shed Distillery) presented the Chinese Ambassador with a special limited-edition ceramic Chinese Dragon bottle of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin to mark the momentous occasion.
Mr. Rigney said the entry to the Chinese market is a pivotal milestone for Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, that he expects will precipitate significant new local job creation at The Shed Distillery, which currently employs over 100 locals. With China’s imports set to hit 17 trillion dollars over the next five years, Rigney says the launch of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin in China is key to remaining competitive on a global scale as the brand strives to become one of the top ten gin brands in the world.
The launch of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin in China follows shortly after the official state visit to Ireland of the premier of the People's Republic of China, Li Qiang. During his visit, the premier was also presented with a special limited-edition ceramic Chinese Dragon bottle, which accompanied him on his plane journey back to China.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is now officially available in China and will roll out to Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and other major Chinese cities over the coming months. EKO integrated Services, who are The Shed Distillery’s distribution partners in China, say there is enormous potential for the Leitrim brand as the country actively focuses on accelerating high-quality imports, in particular of high-end super-premium brands and products that stand apart as unique.
EKO Integrated Services first showcased Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin in China last November at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) where the brand received an ‘extraordinary response’ according to Pat Rigney, who travelled to Shanghai for the event. “Chinese consumers and trade really embraced the brand with enthusiasm. They were intrigued by the Chinese elements of the brand, which uses gunpowder tea from China as one of the main botanicals in the gin, which is slow-distilled by hand with oriental botanicals and gunpowder tea in Leitrim.”
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin exports to over 80 countries and is one of the fastest-growing gin brands in the world. The brand also sells in over 60 international airports.
China is the world's second-largest consumer market and the largest online retail market with a population of over 1.4 billion people and a middle-income group of over 400 million people.
Peter Burke Minister for European Affairs:
“Today is an historic day for Drumshanbo, Leitrim as well as for Ireland and China. This year marks 45 years since we established diplomatic links between our two nations, and under the Asia Pacific Strategy we aim to build on our economic, political and people to people relationships with China into the future. Today really emphasises the power of partnership and teamwork, from local community to international level. We were delighted to host the Chinese Premier in Dublin just last month, and the visit by the Chinese Ambassador to Drumshanbo today is significant for rural Ireland and further job creation.”
He Xiangdong, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland:
“The launch of the Dragon Special Edition of Gunpowder Gin, in celebration of the Chinese New Year, embodies the rich cultural tapestry of China and demonstrates the warm, collaborative spirit between our nations. The adoption of Chinese tradition by such a distinguished Irish brand reflects the deep mutual respect and partnership between our countries. The introduction of this special edition, inspired by the auspicious symbol of the dragon, represents a seamless blend of Irish innovation and Chinese heritage.
As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, I extend my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and success to Irish businesses venturing into the Chinese market. I am thrilled to hear that Gunpowder Gin will soon be available in China. May this special edition be a testament to the thriving connections and continued collaboration between China and Ireland.
Cllr Justin Warnock, Cathaoirleach Leitrim County Council:
“We are honoured to welcome the Chinese Ambassador, Mr. He Xiangdong to County Leitrim on this historic occasion. Drumshanbo is one of the best known Irish towns in the world thanks to the international popularity of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin. Bringing the brand to China will truly make us global celebrities. Today’s wonderful news is a tribute to the very special vision and partnership between the incredible community in Drumshanbo, the Food Hub and The Shed Distillery at the home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. This year marks the tenth anniversary of The Shed Distillery opening in Drumshanbo and what an incredible 10 years it has been. From just 2 employees in 2014, the Shed has now created over 100 local jobs, created over 7 remarkable gin, whiskey and vodka brands and opened the extraordinary Shed Distillery Visitor Experience. We look forward to welcoming many more Chinese visitors to Co. Leitrim in the very near future.
Pat Rigney, Founder & owner of The Shed Distillery:
“As a family-run business, myself and Denise value people and relationships above all else. Relationships and respect are central to doing business in China, an extraordinary country and culture. Our Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin journey commenced in China where we discovered gunpowder tea. This year, the Chinese Year of the Dragon, The Shed Distillery celebrates our tenth anniversary, which we mark with our special limited-edition ceramic Chinese Dragon bottle of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, celebrating the coming together of our two unique cultures. There is a special karma surrounding our journey with our esteemed Chinese friends and it is aa true honour to welcome His Excellency Mr. He Xiangdong Chinese Ambassador to The Shed Distillery and the home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin today. Our extraordinary team at the Shed Distillery are intrinsic to moments like today. We prize our partnership with the remarkable community here in Drumshanbo, and our shared vision which has guided our journey over the last ten years, and led to making today’s announcement come to be.”
Niall Caffrey COO, EKO Integrated Services
“Our EKO team across Dublin and Beijing was invaluable in supporting Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin's expansion into the Chinese market. We’re absolutely delighted with the hugely positive market response received, and very excited about growing and developing this iconic Irish gin brand in China. We look forward to continued collaboration with Pat, Denise, and the entire Shed Distillery team, to achieve great success in China for many years ahead.
Further press information:
Emily Cox, Cox Communications, emilycox@coxcommunications.ie, 086 3832703
