Irish whiskey eyes the East

Irish whiskey is making waves in Asia, with exports to Japan soaring from 55,000 to 200,000 cases in just four years. This week, the Irish Whiskey Association is the sole Irish GI trade group on the EU’s largest-ever agri-food trade mission to Japan, signalling a serious push to grow market share in the world’s fastest-growing whiskey category.

While Japan now ranks as the 14th largest global market for Irish whiskey, the sector remains concerned about the broader global landscape. With US tariffs clouding the outlook and distilling activity in Ireland slowing, association leaders are calling for urgent intervention to restore zero-tariff trade and protect decades of export progress.

As Osaka gears up to host the 2025 World Fair, Irish whiskey’s presence on this trade mission is not just symbolic—it’s strategic. The East is rising, and for Irish producers, it's time to diversify or stall.

Read the full article for insights on why associations should be paying close attention to global market pivots.