Irish Distillers have a reason to celebrate as Jameson Irish Whiskey continues to grow. The group, a subsidiary of French drinks conglomerate Pernod-Ricard, also owns other Irish whiskey brands such as Midleton, Powers, Redbreast and Green Spot.

Their best-selling brand, Jameson, reported sales of 6.5 million 9-litre cases in the financial year 2016/2017, which translates in an increase of over 13% compared to the previous year. According to the Irish Times, the brand experience double and triple digit growth in 71 out of the 130 markets in which it’s available.

This is the 28th year of consecutive growth for Jameson. And while the star product is strong, innovation is also driving sales; Jameson Caskmates, a bottling aged on craft stout seasoned barrels, grew 110% in volume and 103% in value in 2016/2017.

In the Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy published earlier this year, Minister Michael Creed acknowledges the industry as a key sector in the “Irish economic recovery in terms of export growth”, especially in rural Ireland. “In 2016 food and drink exports reached €11.15 billion, marking continued year on year growth.”, reads the report’s foreword.

With the recent revamp of the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street, Irish Distillers is also making a powerful move to contribute to the strategy’s goal of turning Ireland into the world leader in whiskey tourism by 2030.

More information: irishdistillers.ie