Growth and India and the removal of tariffs led to a stellar year for the spirit.
There are three main reasons for such a banner year, according to a press release from the group. The first is growth experienced by Irish whiskey in India. Sales rose by 106 percent through the first 10 months of the year compared to all of 2020. Next is the the lifting of tariffs in Nigeria and the US, as well as the reduction of provincial levies in Canada.
“In 2021, our association secured substantial achievements on international trade, protection and regulatory matters, all of which benefit the entire Irish whiskey industry,” William Lavelle, head of the IWA, said in a statement. “With the active commitment and contribution of our many member companies, we look forward to achieving more in 2022.”
As strong as 2021 may have turned out to be, the IWA hopes it is just the beginning. While the group’s attempts to raise the profile and standing of Irish whiskey certainly seem to be working, it says it won’t stop until its position as one of the world’s leading spirits categories is secured.