Gin Growing In Popularity More Than Any Other Spirit
More people are drinking gin in Ireland than ever before. New research shows it’s the fastest growing spirit drink in the country - but vodka still remains the nation’s favourite spirit.
Last year the consumption of gin grew by 31%, according to the Irish Spirits Association – and that trend is continuing this year.
Vodka still remains the nation’s favourite spirit but sales have been declining in recent years, but what makes gin so popular?
William Lavelle is head of the Irish Spirits Association believes that it's just down to "changing trends" and gin being "the drink of the moment".
Despite the growing popularity of gin - the consumption of spirits overall is down 19% overall in the past decade.
The Government is soon to publish a new Alcohol Bill which will have stricter rules surrounding the consumption and advertisement of alcohol.
William Lavelle has called the restrictions "draconian", fearing it will "damage competition, deter innovation and threaten future export growth."
He said the industry wants to work with the "Government to achieve a more balanced approach that will effectively address concerns while preserving investment, competition and export growth."
And although spirit consumption is down at home – exports of it are continuing to grow. It increased 6% last year with whiskey performing particularly well.