Spirits exports up last year but domestic sales fall

• United States remains biggest market for Irish spirits makers as distillers face tough trading challenges

• Sales of spirits in the Irish market fell last year, though exports continued some upward momentum, according to the Drinks Ireland | Spirits 2024 Annual Report, published today

Amongst the key findings of the report are;

• There was modest spirit export volume growth of +2.8% in 2024. While value growth was higher, this was largely driven by supply chain inflation.
• Sales of spirits in the Irish market fell by over 2%, reflecting the continuing moderation of consumption amongst Irish drinkers.
• Despite a dip in sales, vodka remained Ireland's favourite spirit, followed by Irish Whiskey and gin.
• Sales in Ireland of tequila grew by over one fifth in 2024 compared to the previous year.
• Irish Whiskey volumes increased globally by +3.6% with Irish Cream volumes up by a more modest +1.5%.
• The US remains the biggest export market for Irish spirits, followed by the UK and Germany.
• India was the fifth biggest market for Irish Whiskey in 2024, growing at +57.5%.The opportunity is huge if the EU–India trade deal can be concluded and delivers a sizeable reduction in tariff rates.
• Ireland continues to have the third highest level of excise tax in Europe, and the second highest across all alcohol, inhibiting investment by producers.

Commenting on the report, Drinks Ireland | Spirits Chairperson, David Boyd-Armstrong said

2024 saw sales volume growth of 2.8% across our main spirits drinks and higher value growth, largely reflecting inflation across the supply chain. Medium term, our projections remain toward growth, but the pace of the growth has eased, and trade developments since early 2025 have presented an incredibly challenging business environment.

The imposition of a 15% tariff on exports to our biggest market, the United States, is compounded by the weak dollar and continued trade uncertainty. The return to zero-for-zero tariff trading position with the US must remain a top priority for government and for EU negotiators.

Director of Drinks Ireland | Spirits, Aengus King, commented

Spirits are a major component of Ireland's total food and drinks exports and are an important part of the export economy. 2024 was a mixed year for our sector, with exports up and domestic sales down. However, we know that 2025 has been very challenging for our members and their businesses. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of government to resolve trade issues. Given the current trading environment, distillers and spirits producers need more direct supports to drive export market development and diversification. Furthermore, with per-capita consumption now 34% lower in Ireland than 2001, as well as the head winds being faced by industry, now is the time for a 10% excise reduction in Budget 2026.
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ENDS
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Media Contacts:

Stephen Lynam , Q4PR, 087 235 4126, stephen.lynam@q4pr.ie

Eimear White, Q4PR, 086 829 7825, eimear@q4pr.ie