Whiskey-US demand up 28% for St Patrick’s Day
“Over the last 14 years Irish whiskey sales increased by 776% making it America’s fastest-growing spirit,” said Miriam Mooney, Head of the Irish Whiskey Association.
Figures released by Nielsen CGA show that demand for Irish whiskey in the US jumped by nearly 28% in the run-up to St Patrick’s Day, she added.
Demand in the US, the largest market for Irish whiskey, is expected to play an important part in Ireland reaching its export and tourism targets going forward.
She pointed out that one in four visitors to Irish distilleries today hail from the US thanks to the growing demand for Irish whiskey there. By 2025 the IWA expects 1.9 million people to visit Irish distilleries and to spend around €1.3 billion during their sojourn here.
“Irish whiskey tourism can bring massive benefits to towns across Ireland and has the potential to support one tourism job for every 55 international visitors it helps to attract to Ireland,” she stated.