Claire MacCarrick from Irish Distillers elected Chairperson of Drinks Ireland | Spirits

Drinks Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the Irish drinks sector, has announced that Claire MacCarrick from Irish Distillers has been elected to a two-year term as Chair of Drinks Ireland | Spirits Council, taking over from David Boyd-Armstrong of Rademon Estate Distillery.

Claire MacCarrick who is currently Senior Public Affairs and External Communications manager at Irish Distillers will chair Drinks Ireland Spirits. Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard company, is producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskies and Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits.

The Council, which represents the spirits industry across the island of Ireland, works on policy advocacy, trade & market developments, category promotion and the ongoing international protection of Ireland’s spirit Geographic Indicators (GIs).

Claire, who has over 15 years experience working in Public Affairs and Corporate Communications at both National and EU level, will bring expertise and specialisation to her role as Drinks Ireland | Spirits chair. Previously, Claire has worked as an Account Director at a leading Public Affairs consultancy and in the European Parliament as a Policy Advisor.

Speaking on her appointment, incoming Chair of Drinks Ireland | Spirits Claire MacCarrick said: “The spirits sector across the island of Ireland is driven by businesses, small and large, that are proud of the quality products they produce, the jobs and economic vibrancy they bring to communities and the touchpoints the create with consumers right across the globe. It’s inspiring to see the growing recognition and appreciation, at home and internationally, of the exceptional quality of Irish spirits, particularly our protected Geographic Indication (GI) products: Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream, and Poitín. I’m excited to help guide the category into a new era of continued growth and success.”

Head of Drinks Ireland | Spirits Aengus King said: “Irish spirit drinks exports are valued at almost €1.5 billion annually. While our exports have grown impressively over the past decade and we remain optimistic about the sector’s long-term prospects, we are very conscious of the trade uncertainty that impacted our sector during 2025 and remain focussed on restoring zero-for-zero tariff trading conditions with the US as soon as possible. I’m confident that Claire’s extensive experience and expertise will be a huge asset in her new role as Chair, and we look forward to working alongside her. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our outgoing Chair, David Boyd-Armstrong, for his input, time and guidance throughout his term.”