IRISH gin producers want to treble sales by 2022, with the aim to sell five million bottles around the world, according to the Irish Spirits Association (ISA).
A new 'Strategy for Irish Gin 2018-2022' was launched last week, which aims to promote the worldwide growth of Irish gin over the next five years by developing world-leading standards for quality and authenticity.
Irish gin enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2017 as exports more than trebled and 130,000 cases were sold around the world. In response, the ISA, which represents spirits producers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic has created an Irish Gin Working Group to create a strategy for further growth.
The new strategy identifies the main target markets for Irish gin, with the UK, Spain, Germany, the USA and Canada identified as the priority export markets.
The strategy also sets out four key goals and a number of actions to deliver on the vision and growth targets for Irish gin.
Pat Rigney, chair of the Irish gin working group in the ISA and founder of The Shed Distillery in Co Leitrim said:
"The Irish gin industry is ambitious, and our ambitions are increasingly global. Irish gin is already regarded as a world-leader in terms of quality and authenticity. As sales begin to increase at home and abroad, we want to ensure that we can take advantage of this positive growth trajectory by developing world-leading, consumer focused standards, building on Ireland’s reputation for great food and drink."
David Boyd-Armstrong, head distiller and operations director at Rademon Estate Distillery in Co Down, which makes ShortCross Gin, added:
“Irish gin has enjoyed significant growth over recent years and it is important that the industry, both north and south, works together to ensure the sustainability and continued growth of the category. We have seen that consumers in the home market and in export markets really respond well to the quality and authenticity we offer through our products. As we continue to grow as an industry, it’s vital that we maintain these points of differentiation."
