Bord Bia’s purpose is to bring Ireland’s outstanding food, drink and horticulture to the world, thus enabling the growth and sustainability of producers.

P.37 Alcoholic Beverages: Drinks exports were stable in 2025 at just over €2 billion, highlighting the resilience of the sector.

The market for Irish drinks was challenging, with difficult trading conditions, persisting inventory issues and slower depletion rates due to a squeeze on consumer spending. In addition, exporters had to adapt to new trading conditions as a result of tariffs on goods entering the US, the largest single market for Irish drink exports. Irish whiskey exports were 5% lower in 2025 at €930 million, while Irish gin exports declined by 14%. Both categories were negatively affected by trading uncertainty in the US, as well as a slowing of premiumisation for whiskey and gin in the market due to increased pressure on consumer spending.

P.40 A new category of drinks exports has emerged over recent years: spirits-based Ready To Drink (RTD). Around 90% of products in this category are exported to the US, with the other 10% spread between the UK and EU markets. The value of these exports has grown from around €55 million in 2022 to an estimated €220 million in 2025.