Irish drinks exports reach €2bn as diversification steadies the ship

Irish drinks exports grew by 2% to €2 billion in 2025 despite tariffs, currency shifts and fragile consumer confidence. New Bord Bia data show a sector leaning less on any single market and more on a broadening global footprint.

The figures were published in the Bord Bia Export Performance & Prospects Report for 2025/2026, released this week and analysed by the Ibec group that represents the sector. They show a drinks industry that has absorbed tariff shocks, inflation and shifting demand without losing its footing.

Exports to North America slipped slightly to €920 million as new tariff pressures bit, although Canada proved a bright spot with growth of approximately 25%, as per Bord Bia. Africa delivered the most dramatic movement, rising by almost 60% to €100 million, while Asia grew by 17% to €85 million, largely driven by India, which accounted for €40 million.

Within the European Union, exports were broadly steady. Germany recovered in the second half of the year, France held its ground, and Belgium, Italy and Spain posted strong growth.

Irish Whiskey still leads the charge

Irish Whiskey remains the backbone of the export story, even as the category catches its breath. Bord Bia data show it accounted for 45% of total drink export value at approximately €930 million, despite a 5% decline on the previous year.

This performance came against a difficult backdrop. According to Bord Bia, producers faced new US tariffs, a 12% devaluation of the US dollar and inflationary pressure across multiple markets. Even so, the longer view remains favourable. Irish Whiskey has delivered 9% value growth within the global Premium+ spirits category over the past five years, making it one of the fastest-growing spirits segments worldwide.

Exports to the EU were stable. Shipments to the UK eased slightly in 2025, but growth in emerging markets continued with strong performances in Nigeria, South Africa, India, Japan, China, Singapore and Malaysia.

Cream and beer pick up the pace

Bord Bia figures show it was the second largest export category, rising by 10% to an estimated €430 million. The US and Canada together accounted for over 63% of the total, with both markets performing well during the year.

Beer also found its voice. Irish beer exports rose by 7% to €350 million. While exports to the UK fell by 14% after an unusually strong 2024, EU markets grew by 21% and exports to the US increased by 14%.

Pat Rigney, chair of Drinks Ireland and founder of The Shed Distillery, described the performance as one of persistence.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Rigney added that conditions in the US were beginning to improve. According to him, Bord Bia’s report shows sell-out rates rising and inventories normalising, creating a more positive environment for Irish Whiskey.

Cormac Healy, director of Drinks Ireland, pointed to the broader arc of recent years. “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,” he said.

Healy argued that while global uncertainty and cost pressure remain, the medium and long term prospects are positive. Investment across the island, he said, demonstrates commitment, but smaller and newer businesses will require targeted support if the sector is to protect Ireland’s reputation for excellence and innovation.

Regulation looms in the background

Trade resilience has unfolded alongside regulatory reprieve. As reported by the drinks business in July 2025, Ireland postponed the introduction of mandatory alcohol health warning labels until 2028, delaying rules that would have required bright red warnings linking alcohol to liver disease and fatal cancers, alongside calorie and alcohol content declarations.

The European wine industry welcomed the decision. According to the Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins, the delay allows time to align Irish law with EU requirements and avoid fragmenting the single market. Its president, Marzia Varvaglione, described the deferral as good news for producers, particularly small and medium-sized wineries facing significant packaging costs.

Drinks Ireland also supported the move. The group said the proposed rules would have increased labelling and packaging costs by around 35%, especially for smaller businesses, and risked reducing consumer choice, as per its comments at the time.

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