![\"Irish](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/irish-whiskey.jpg\")
Irish spirits were showcased at an event in Galway in July to mark the Irish presidency of the European Council<\/p>\nDemand in markets such as Greece and Italy has seen export volumes of Irish whiskey to the European Union (EU) grow by 21.5% over the past four years.<\/p>\n
Irish spirits were showcased at an event in Galway in July to mark the Irish presidency of the European Council<\/p>\n
The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) revealed the findings, which place the EU as a key growth market for Irish whiskey, at an event in Galway on 16 July to mark the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU.<\/p>\n
According to the trade association, one-third of all EU spirits exports are Irish.<\/p>\n
Germany is Irish whiskey\u2019s largest export market in the EU, with Poland and France behind. The IWA said the three markets combine for a total export value of \u20ac97.2 million (US$113.7m).<\/p>\n
The IWA highlighted that new markets for Irish whiskey are emerging on the continent alongside its traditional bases. Volumes in Greece (88%) and Italy (68%) have soared over the past four years (2021-2025), with value in Bulgaria up by 54% in the same period.<\/p>\n
While whiskey accounts for 45% of the total export share of Irish spirits, other categories are growing. For instance, Irish cream exports to France and Germany grew by double digits year-on-year in 2025, by 32% and 19% respectively.<\/p>\n
Data from Bord Bia earlier this year showed Irish whiskey exports fell by 5% in 2025<\/a>, largely due to challenges in the US, the category\u2019s biggest export market.<\/p>\n The IWA and Drinks Ireland reiterated their commitment to working with government departments to support the Irish drinks sector.<\/p>\n IWA director Eoin \u00d3 Cath\u00e1in<\/a> said: \u201cWe are seeing a shift in how European consumers engage with premium spirits. To maintain this momentum, a supportive policy environment is absolutely crucial.<\/p>\n \u201cWe encourage our governments and representatives in the EU to continue their efforts to harmonise and strengthen the single market. This support at home at this critical juncture will give our producers the confidence and backing to continue expanding our global footprint.\u201d<\/p>\n Ireland will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU for six months to 31 December 2026. During the term, a core focus for the IWA will be to continue promoting the country\u2019s geographical indications (GIs) for whiskey, Irish cream and poit\u00edn.<\/p>\n The GI for Irish whiskey is currently under public consultation<\/a> until 4 September 2026. Many producers believe amendments to its technical file would broaden the category<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the Galway event, which showcased Irish spirits, industry representatives and EU dignitaries could discover Irish spirits brands such as Clonakilty, Dingley<\/a>, Powers and Five Farms Irish Cream<\/a>.<\/p>\n Related news<\/strong><\/p>\n \n \n
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