Irish whiskey export volumes to the European Union have increased by 21.5% over the past four years, with growing demand in emerging markets helping to strengthen the sector’s position across the bloc.
The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) said exports to Greece and Italy have risen by 88% and 68% respectively over the period, while the value of exports to Bulgaria has increased by 54%.
The figures were released following an Irish spirits showcase in Galway held to mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Germany, Poland and France remain the largest European markets for Irish whiskey, with combined exports worth €97.2m.
The wider Irish spirits sector is also performing strongly, with Irish cream exports to France rising by 32% year-on-year in 2025 and exports to Germany increasing by 19%.
Irish spirits now account for around one-third of all EU spirit exports, underlining the importance of the European single market to the sector.
The growth comes as drinks producers continue to face tariff and non-tariff barriers in international markets.
Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association, said continued support for the single market would be important to maintaining the sector’s momentum.
“We are seeing a shift in how European consumers engage with premium spirits. To maintain this momentum, a supportive policy environment is absolutely crucial,” he said.
“We encourage our governments and representatives in the European Union to continue their efforts to harmonise and strengthen the single market.”
The Galway event on July 16 brought together industry representatives and EU dignitaries to showcase Irish spirits, including Clonakilty Irish Whiskey, Dingle Irish Whiskey, Power’s Irish Whiskey and Five Farms Irish Cream.
A key focus of the industry’s activities during the Irish Presidency is promoting and protecting Ireland’s three European spirits Geographical Indications (GIs): Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Irish Poitín.
The IWA said the protected designations help safeguard the authenticity and provenance of Irish spirits, supporting local employment and investment while giving international consumers greater confidence in their quality.
The association will continue promoting the three GIs during Ireland’s six-month Presidency, alongside Ireland’s distilling heritage and food and drink tourism initiatives such as the Irish Whiskey Way.
Drinks Ireland and the IWA have also reaffirmed their commitment to working with Government departments to support the sector’s contribution to Ireland’s agri-food economy and tourism industry.