Irish Whiskey Association publishes Irish Whiskey Global Trade Report showing 16.15 million cases of Irish Whiskey sold in 2024, a record for the category
The Irish Whiskey Association, the representative voice working to promote, protect and represent the Irish Whiskey category globally, has today published its Irish Whiskey Global Trade Report which shows that 16.15 million cases of Irish Whiskey were sold in 2024, a record for the category.
In 2024, the top five international markets for Irish Whiskey were the USA, Poland, Germany, India and the United Kingdom.
The domestic market recorded 707,000 case sales last year, making Ireland the fourth largest market overall for this premium Irish spirit.
The USA remains the biggest market for Irish Whiskey, with over 5.47 million cases recorded in this market in 2024 – representing 1 of every 3 bottles of Irish Whiskey sold
in the world.
The USA is the most valuable market for spirits in the world, although EU spirits exports (including Irish whiskey) now attract a 15% import tariff.
The Irish Whiskey Association notes that the full impact of these tariffs on the category in its biggest export market is not yet known.
The Irish Whiskey Association therefore today reiterates its call to prioritise a return to the zero-for-zero trading arrangement with the USA.
Irish Whiskey is growing rapidly in other markets. As reported in the Irish Whiskey Global Trade Report, significant growth is evident in key emerging markets such as Japan and India, up 124% and 120% respectively over the past three years.
The Irish Whiskey category has also enjoyed increased success throughout the European Union. Of the top 20 markets for Irish Whiskey sales, 10 are EU Member
States.
Looking towards next year, the Irish Whiskey Association notes the importance of the EU-US trading relationship and market diversification. Director of the Irish Whiskey
Association, Eoin Ó Catháin noted:
“Our sector, like many others, has weathered a turbulent trading period this year, but we hope that calmer waters are on the horizon. The numbers from 2024 are promising for
our sector with the biggest sales volume ever, and our market position in new and emerging markets is getting stronger.
Despite challenges, there is still significant opportunity for the Irish whiskey category to grow, given it only accounts for 12% of the global whiskey market.
Key to ensuring the category’s continued success and growth trajectory is an urgent focus on trade relations with the US and the opening up of new markets through the
removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers.
The Association’s priorities for 2026 will therefore include advocating for the finalisation and swift implementation of relevant trade agreements, including an EU-India Free
Trade Agreement (FTA), considering that India is the world’s biggest whiskey market and represents a significant growth opportunity for Irish Whiskey.”
NOTES
- This Trade Report is compiled with IWSR and Bord Bia data.
- A case of Irish Whiskey contains 9 litres, generally 12 bottles (75cl).
- The total case sales1 were as follows:
Market Total Case Sales United States 5,473,320 Poland 718,770 Germany 715,000 India 700,100 United Kingdom 698,00
