The value of Irish whiskey exports to China has increased by 247% in the past five years.
The Irish Whiskey Association is among 72 European business delegates in China to explore export opportunities.
“We have seen unprecedented growth over the past five years in China, but the potential of this market is monumental”
The trade mission is focusing on EU food and drink products recognised as a geographical indication (GI), which is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Irish whiskey is one of 96 EU GIs that currently enjoy this status in the Chinese market.
According to Bord Bia’s Export Performance & Prospects Index, the value of Irish whiskey exports to China has increased by 247% in the past 5 years – representing a total monetary value of €4,029,293 in 2023.
Irish whiskey in China? Let’s drink to that!
For the trade mission, the Irish Whiskey Association is meeting with importers, distributors, marketeers and on-trade businesses to promote the Irish whiskey category, and is learning more about the Chinese market with international spirits companies based there.
Although international spirits represent only around 2% of total alcohol consumed in China today (worth over €2.5bn), this market share is expected to grow quickly in years to come. Whiskey is the fastest growing category among international spirits – which bodes well for Irish whiskey in this rapidly-developing market.
“We have seen unprecedented growth over the past five years in China, but the potential of this market is monumental,” said director of the Irish Whiskey Association Eoin Ó Catháin.
“The Irish Whiskey Association is honoured to be among the invitees to participate in this mission – and for Irish whiskey to be among the few EU GIs to enjoy full recognition and protection here.
“The work of the Association is mirrored by a number of Irish whiskey brands – large and small – who have committed considerable resources and investment in this market. It is important for the vitality of the sector that this investment pays dividends in the years to come. We are delighted to have the support of government departments and Bord Bia, who have a strong presence here, in realising this ambition.”
A number of Irish whiskeys, including Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Teeling Whiskey and Dingle Distillery, were selected for display and tasting in an EU pavilion at the Anuga Select China trade fair, a leading international food and beverage exhibition held in Shenzhen in southern China during the trade mission. The European Commission sponsored the placement of EU agri-food GIs at the trade fair, and Irish whiskey had a particular spotlight.
“At Irish Distillers we are incredibly proud to lead the global growth of Irish Whiskey which is truly loved the world over,” said Simon Fay, Business Acceleration director with Irish Distillers. “The continued acceleration of Irish Whiskey in Asian markets in recent years, including China, highlights the future potential of Irish whiskey, with more consumers getting to know and love our portfolio of Irish whiskey. Opportunities such as this trade mission provide vital support for the Irish whiskey category in building awareness of the category’s reputation for quality, taste, craft and innovation.”
Also commenting, commercial manager of the Asia-Pacific region for Teeling Whiskey Martin Lynch said: “Teeling has been active in China since 2015 and our business there has grown exponentially, making it one of our most important global export markets. We have found our innovative approach, award wins, and accessible flavour profiles resonate deeply with the discerning palates of Chinese whiskey consumers.
“The opportunity to showcase our brand on this DG Agri Trade Mission, with the support of the Irish Whiskey Association, provides the perfect potential to secure increased focus for our sector in this vibrant key market. Irish whiskey is still a new and evolving category in Asia and we’re excited to continue the journey in shaping the bright future we see for Irish whiskey in the Chinese market.”
Commenting on the benefits of the work being undertaken by the EU to promote Irish whiskey brands in export markets including China, managing director of Dingle Distillery Elliot Hughes said: “China has been a developing market for Dingle for the last two years, however we anticipate it becoming a major market for us, alongside the USA and the EU, in a relatively short period of time. The EU and China along with the USA are the world’s three largest trading partners, and China is the third largest agri-food export market for EU-27, after the US and UK.
“The enthusiasm we are seeing for Irish whiskey is fantastic and we’re delighted to get the opportunity to showcase our brand with this EU Trade Mission – facilitated by the Irish Whiskey Association – allowing us to further develop the brand across the country. The opportunity in China for Irish whiskey is enormous and we hope to use this trade mission as a springboard for future growth.”
