Trends On The MenuIreland
Alcohol-Free Beer Doubles Output As Irish Drinks Look To Export
A new report values Ireland's drinks industry at €4.1bn, with alcohol-free beer now about 3% of the market.
In Short
- Ireland's drinks industry adds €4.1bn to the economy, says an Indecon report for Drinks Ireland.
- Alcohol-free beer production more than doubled between 2023 and 2025 and is about 3% of Irish beer.
- Irish whiskey volume sales have roughly tripled since 2010.
- Per-person drinking in Ireland has fallen 36% over two decades.
A new report shows how much Ireland's drinks trade is worth, and where tastes are moving. Drinks Ireland asked the firm Indecon to run the numbers.
The industry adds €4.1bn to the economy. Most of what the whiskey sector makes is sold abroad.
Around 95% of Irish whiskey is exported. Yet people in Ireland drink less: consumption per person has dropped 36% in 20 years.
It has been a decade of substantial growth in the sector.
Alcohol-free beer is the clearest shift. Output more than doubled from 2023 to 2025, and it now makes up about 3% of the Irish beer market.
Brewery, distillery and cidery visitor centres draw more than 2.7m visitors a year. The industry also pays the State about €1.2bn in excise.
What Does This Mean For Your Restaurant?
For a venue, a good alcohol-free beer on the list is now a normal part of the drinks menu. Guests who drink less still want something with a story, and local producers have it.
Sources
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