Pat Rigney new Drinks Ireland Chair
Pat Rigney, the Founder and Managing Director of The Shed Distillery, maker of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, has been elected Chair of Drinks Ireland, the Ibec trade association representing 61 drinks manufacturers and suppliers on the Island of Ireland.
Pat Rigney, the Managing Director and Founder of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin-maker The Shed Distillery, has been elected Chair of Drinks Ireland.
Drinks Ireland itself comprises a number of sub-associations: Drinks Ireland|Beer, Drinks Ireland|Cider, Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey, Drinks Ireland|Spirits and Drinks Ireland|Wine.
Pat takes over from Oliver Loomes, Diageo Ireland’s Country Director.
Prior to Covid-19, the drinks industry was experiencing strong growth. Last year exported product worth €1.45 billion to over 140 markets. It contributed €2.6 billion in VAT and Excise to the exchequer and it will help support the sector in recovering from the impact of the pandemic in 2021 and beyond.
