- Irish Whiskey EU exports up 21.5pc over four years
- Greece exports up 88pc; Italy up 68pc; Bulgaria value up 54pc
- Irish spirits represent one-third of all EU spirit exports
- Germany, Poland, France account for €97.2m combined export value
- Irish Whiskey, Cream, and Poitín have EU Geographical Indications protection
Irish Whiskey export volumes to the EU26 have risen by 21.5pc over the last four years, with the EU single market now a key destination for the Irish Whiskey sector. While this is spurred on by consistently strong performances in traditional markets such as Germany and Poland, Irish Whiskey is swiftly establishing itself as an export powerhouse in newer markets. Export volumes to Greece and Italy have risen 88pc and 68pc respectively over the last four years, while export value to Bulgaria is up 54pc over the same period, signalling a fast-growing appetite for Irish spirits in markets beyond the category’s strongholds.
The figures were announced by the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) following a recent showcase of Irish spirits in Galway to mark the Irish Presidency of the European Council. Irish spirits remain a key driver of European export success, representing one-third of all EU spirit exports. Within Europe, Irish Whiskey’s largest export markets continue to be Germany, Poland and France, accounting for a combined export value of €97.2m, alongside significant 2025 year-on-year growth in Irish Cream exports to France (+32pc) and Germany (+19pc).
A core focus for the sector during the Irish Presidency of the European Council is the promotion and protection of Ireland’s three European spirits Geographical Indications: Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Irish Poitín. This protected status ensures production remains authentically Irish, safeguarding local jobs and driving continued investment across the island. The IWA will continue to promote these GIs throughout the six-month Presidency, actively promoting Ireland’s unique distilling heritage and regional food and drink trails such as the Irish Whiskey Way.
Director Eoin Ó Catháin shared the industry is seeing a shift in how European consumers engage with premium spirits, and a supportive policy environment is absolutely crucial.
