PROMOTIONA
INVEST NORTH
RICH HERITAGE UNDERPINS NORTHERN IRELAND’S SUCCESS IN DISTILLING
L
ast year, food and drink companies generated over £5 billion for the Northern Ireland economy, with the sector remaining resilient throughout COVID-19. Invest Northern Ireland is working with hundreds of companies across the sector to help them remain competitive by growing sales, increasing exports, engaging in innovation and investing in the skills of their staff. Distilling/brewing has re-emerged as one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic and export-driven industries in little more than a decade. The region is now home to over 20 craft breweries
and around 12 distilleries producing award winning single malt, pot still and blended Irish whiskeys, gin, vodka, rum, craft beer, hard seltzers and fruit infused grain spirits and poitin, a traditional pot still spirit distilled from a range of ingredients such as potatoes or cereals. From Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed distillery, to newcomers including Hinch, Echlinville, Rademon, McConnell’s, Copeland, Killowen and Boatyard you can be sure of Pure, Natural, Quality drink and a warm welcome. As a result of this growth, virtually
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every city and many towns and even villages across Northern Ireland (population 1.8m) are home to either a distillery or at least one craft brewery, often both. The region has also a thriving cider sector. Several distilleries and breweries are now selling products abroad in markets such as Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland, other parts of Europe, Asia and the US. In addition to its growing reputation in brewing and distilling, Northern Ireland, a successful dairy farming region, is a recognised leader in the production of Irish cream liqueurs.
