Drinks exports from Ireland to the US were valued at around €619 million in 2021, new figures released by Drinks Ireland show.
To mark the 4th of July, the drinks industry in Ireland is highlighting the importance of the US market for exports from the sector.
In 2020, 51% of Irish drinks exports went to the USA, according to Bord Bia.
Renowned for their quality, and rich with heritage, Irish drinks brands are a pivotal part of Ireland’s famous food and drinks offering, according to Drinks Ireland.
The US is the biggest export market for Irish spirits, which were valued at a mammoth €561 million in 2021.
This was driven in large part by Irish whiskey, but Irish cream liqueur is also hugely popular in the US.
The US was also the second biggest export destination for Irish beer and cider last year, after the UK.
Exports in 2021 were valued at €49 million for Irish beer and €8.4 million for Irish cider.
Vincent McGovern, Director of Drinks Ireland|Spirits said that Irish producers “take great pride in creating quality products that are renowned the world over, and the US is a key destination for our spirits, beer and cider exports, which is very positive to see.”
“While heavily impacted by Covid-19, and particularly the global closure of the on-trade (pubs, restaurants, hotel bars), exports remained resilient, and producers are now focused on recovery and further growth.”
