Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA), has joined the board of the World Spirits Alliance (WSA), the Geneva-based global federation representing the spirits industry in international policy discussions on trade, fair taxation, and responsible consumption, with a mandate to ensure smaller trade associations and historical spirits categories have a direct voice at global level.

As reported by The Spirits Business, Ó Catháin was appointed to the WSA board to represent the specific needs of smaller trade associations, bringing experience in whiskey tourism and international trade accumulated since his appointment as IWA director in 2023.

Ó Catháin said: "It is an honour to join the board of the World Spirits Alliance. Ninety-five per cent of Irish whiskey distil is exported, and navigating the complexities of global trade and policy, from tariffs to expansion in emerging markets to protecting our geographic indication, has been central to the IWA's work. While a board member of WSA, I will continue to ensure that the specific needs of Irish whiskey and similar historical spirits categories worldwide have a direct voice in the global policy decisions that shape our trading environment, helping our producers continue to thrive domestically and overseas."

Cormac Healy, director of Drinks Ireland at Ibec, said the appointment was "a significant endorsement of the Irish Whiskey Association's work and the global standing of Ireland's spirits sector," adding that having a dedicated voice at the top table of global spirits advocacy ensures Ireland can proactively shape the international environment on crucial issues including trade, excise, and responsible consumption.

WSA CEO Helina Medina said: "Trade associations play such an important role in our industry and Eoin's experience representing Irish whiskey on the global stage will ensure that the unique perspectives and needs of categories like Irish whiskey are front and centre as we continue to navigate complex global discussions around trade, fair taxation and our role in reducing the harmful consumption of alcohol."

The WSA was established in 2019 and brings together multinational companies and regional trade associations to represent the spirits sector's views in global policy discussions. Ó Catháin's IWA role remains unchanged alongside his new board responsibilities.