Global Irish Whiskey Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Irish Whiskey Market Outlook

The global Irish whiskey market size attained a value of approximately USD 5.42 billion in 2023. The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.0% in the forecast period of 2024-2032, reaching a value of around USD 10.83 billion by 2032.

Key Trends in the Market

Irish whiskey is a specialised type of whiskey produced in Ireland that is generally distilled and aged for a minimum of three years. Traditional production of Irish whiskey involves triple distillation of unmalted barely during which fermentation takes place, after which it can then be blended with grain whiskey, although single malts are also available.

• Rising demand for specialised and premium alcoholic beverages is a key factor contributing to the Irish whiskey market growth. Immensely versatile, Irish whiskey is known for its smoothness and earthy flavour, due to which it is popular for consumption straight or on the rocks, and can complement a wide range of cocktails.

• Expansion of production capabilities and supply chains are resulting in enhanced accessibility to authentic Irish whiskey worldwide, with various suppliers connecting directly with Irish producers for local distribution. With growing disposable income and increasing awareness regarding premium Irish whiskey options, more consumers, particularly young adults, are increasing the Irish whiskey market demand.

• Innovations in product offerings, flavour profiles, and packaging are key trends influencing the market for Irish whiskey, with key players using unique products to gain a competitive edge. Extended ageing periods, usage of wood notes, fruit flavours, and varying alcohol percentages are appealing to a wider audience, thereby augmenting the market growth.

Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is divided into blended, single malt, single pot still, and single grain. On the basis of pricing the market is bifurcated into mass and premium. By sales channel, the Irish whiskey market segmentation is on-trade and off-trade. The regional markets for Irish whiskey are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the Irish whiskey market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments and expansion plans.

• Pernod Ricard S.A

• Proximo Spirits, Inc.

• Teeling Whiskey Company

• Suntory Holdings Limited

• Brown-Forman Corporation

• Diageo plc

• William Grant & Sons Limited

• West Cork Distillers Limited

• Na Cuana (Boann Distiller)

• Sazerac Company Inc.

• Others

Market Share by Pricing

Based on pricing, premium occupies a sizeable Irish whiskey market share, supported by the growing demand for premium alcoholic beverages, particularly among young adults. At premium price points, Irish whiskey is available in a wider variety with various flavours and those that have been aged longer. The uniqueness of the taste, smoothness, and versatility of good quality Irish whiskey encourage more buyers to invest in premium Irish whiskey. Interest in authentic Irish whiskey, brewed by specific distilleries in Ireland, are further leading to an increasing demand for premium Irish whiskey. Moreover, high end bars and restaurants that are visited by clientele with greater spending capacities typically stock premium Irish whiskey, thereby increasing its demand.

Market Share by Region

Regionally, North America accounts for a rapidly growing share in the global Irish whiskey market, fuelled by a vast population of alcohol consumers and rising interest in Irish whiskey. Increasing tourism from North America to countries in Europe where Irish whiskey is commonly consumed is resulting in a greater demand for Irish whiskey in North America. Expansion of key market players in North America and tie-ups of local suppliers with breweries in Ireland are also aiding the regional market growth for Irish whiskey. The extensive popularity of cocktails in North America and the suitability of Irish whiskey for numerous cocktails, martinis, soda beverages, and Irish coffee are further aiding the market growth of Irish whiskey in North America.

Competitive Landscape

Pernod Ricard S.A was founded in 1975 with the merger of spirits companies Pernod and Ricard. Based in Paris, France, the company is a global wine and spirits group with a vast portfolio of 240 premium brands and a reach across 160+ countries.

Proximo Spirits, Inc. was established in 2007 and is currently headquartered in New Jersey in the United States. An importer and international distributor of spirits, the company is focussed on the innovation of quality spirits, with a product line that includes whiskey, tequila, vodka, rum, and mezcal.

Teeling Whiskey Company, founded in 2012 with headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, specialises in Irish whiskey. With their own distillery, the company uses family knowledge of brewing to produce Irish whiskey with layered flavours and subtleties. Teeling Whiskey Company offers tours of their distillery and a wide range of Irish whiskey collections.

Other market players include Suntory Holdings Limited, Brown-Forman Corporation, Diageo plc, William Grant & Sons Limited, West Cork Distillers Limited, Na Cuana (Boann Distiller), and Sazerac Company Inc., among others.

Key Highlights of the Report