Irish Drinks Exports Defy Global Pressures to Reach 2 Billion as Sector Shows Strong Resilience
Drinks Ireland has welcomed new data that shows drinks exports continue to grow, and increased by 2% to €2bn in 2025, despite strong economic and trade challenges.
The Ibec group that represents the sector was responding to the annual Bord Bia Export Performance & Prospects Report for 2025/2026, which was released today and outlines the performance of Ireland’s important food and drinks exports.
Although exports to North America declined slightly to €920 million due to market conditions and new tariff pressures, exports to Canada grew by approximately 25%. Exports to Africa also increased sharply, rising by almost 60% to €100 million, while Asia recorded a 17% increase to €85 million, driven largely by India, which accounted for €40 million.
Within the European Union, exports were stable overall, with Germany recovering in the second half of the year, France remaining steady, and Belgium, Italy, and Spain showing strong levels of growth.
Irish Whiskey sales diversify
According to Bord Bia, Irish Whiskey continued to represent the largest share of our drink exports, accounting for 45% of total export value at approximately €930 million, despite a 5 % decline from the previous year. This was a resilient performance given the uncertainty generated by new tariffs in the US, a 12% devaluation in the US dollar, and inflationary pressures. The long‑term performance of Irish Whiskey remains strong, as it is one of the fastest growing spirits categories, with 9% value growth within the global Premium+ spirits category over the past five years. Exports to the EU remained stable, and although Irish Whiskey exports to the UK were slightly lower in 2025, the trend of emerging‑market growth continued with strong performances in Nigeria, South Africa, India, Japan, China, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Beer and Irish Cream Liqueur exports grow
Bord Bia’s data show Irish Cream represented the second largest category of exports, increasing by 10% to reach an estimated €430 million, contributing meaningfully to the uplift in drinks exports. The US and Canada accounted for over 63% of the total, with both markets performing well in 2025.
Irish beer was a strong performer in 2025, with exports growing to €350m, up 7%. Exports to the UK declined by 14% after an impressive performance in 2024 and EU markets increased by 21%. Exports to the US increased by 14%.
Speaking on the reports’ findings, Pat Rigney, The Shed Distillery and Drinks Ireland Chair said:
“Despite a challenging year in 2025, with businesses contending with many headwinds, the Irish drinks sector has shown determined resilience in achieving a 2% growth in export value to €2 billion. We are still seeing strong progress in markets like Japan, India, South Africa, and a number of EU markets. While Irish Whiskey exports saw some reduction after a period of significant growth over the last decade, we also saw solid performances across Irish Cream Liqueur and beer.
The immediate environment remains challenging, but I remain confident in our long‑term growth. Indeed, Bord Bia’s report today highlights that market conditions in the United States are improving as sell‑out rates rise and inventories normalise, creating a more positive environment for Irish Whiskey.
Drinks Ireland Director Cormac Healy added,
“After years of turbulence, from the pandemic to rising costs and renewed US tariffs, Ireland’s drinks industry continues to deliver strong export growth and diversify its markets.
While global uncertainties, cost pressures, and shifting consumer dynamics remain challenging at present, the medium‑ and long‑term prospects for the Irish drinks sector are positive, filled with opportunities.
Investment across the island shows our commitment, but the sector now needs targeted support, especially for new and small businesses, if we are to maintain Ireland’s hard-earned reputation for excellence and innovation. Ensuring competitiveness, fair regulation and progress on key trade priorities will be essential for both sustaining momentum and protecting against further volatility.”
