CO Down-based whiskey and gin company Hinch has further developed its global footprint by securing significant business for its products in the Asia Pacific region.
The Ballynahinch based drinks firm, set up by former west Belfast packaging boss Terry Cross, has used its own international contacts and Invest NI trade support to ship consignments to distributors in Australia, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
And the new orders mean the company is on target to supply its products to 23 markets around the world by the end of this year.
The firm's international sales director Michael Morris said: “These immensely important new orders are the result of an extensive marketing campaign last year covering Australia and other parts of Asia Pacific, one of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets for Irish whiskey and gin, and where global demand for our premium products continues to grow strongly.
“The orders include our international award-winning five-year old 'double wood' finished in new American oak barrels, and a 10-year old premium blend finished in sherry casks."
He added: “The new export business is the light at the end of a very dark tunnel for our industry and others especially in hospitality, and it comes at a time when we are finishing our state-of-the-art distillery.”
Steve Harper, Invest NI’s executive director of international business, said: “With its focus on innovation and exports, in its short history Hinch Distillery is well on its way to developing a significant global export presence, and we congratulate owner Terry Cross and his team.
“We have been able to support this growth by helping Hinch develop strong overseas contacts and tap into new markets, which has given it the confidence and knowledge to achieve these successes.”
Hinch has continued to do business in Europe through its network of distributors on the continent despite the Covid-19 crisis, and these markets look ready to reopen slowly over the coming months.
