Enterprising & Export-led Industry Can Help Executive Rebuild Economy and Boost Jobs
We responded to the new licensing proposals last week on behalf of more than 40 quality producers of beers and spirits that we’ve represented over many years. While the new bill is to be welcomed, we have argued that other changes are needed to help to accelerate the growth of what has become an immensely important contributor to the local economy in terms of novel products and international sales.
The world has changed even since this legislation was drafted.
Over the past decade, we’ve seen rapid growth in distilling of whiskey, gin, vodka, rum and poitin here, many of which are exported around the world, and upwards of 40 craft breweries and cideries producing every type of beer and cider imaginable. And it’s a quality driven sector, where low volumes command premium prices.
The achievements of our distilleries abroad and in international awards have been immensely impressive. Several are exporting to over 30 countries worldwide and have immense potential for further and fastergrowth. Irish whiskey, for instance, is now the world’s fastest growing spirit. We have around 12 whiskey distilleries either already operating or planned in the next few years.
A number of the breweries have recently announced expansion plans on the back of success in Britain.
We are recognised as a centre of excellence in cider, and one of the few areas in the world where cider is made on farm from pressed apples to create a world class product.
Therefore, we believe that every effort should be made to encourage the growth in distilling, brewing and cider production in terms of exports and employment and as soon as practicable.
Our economy will need all the help available to ensure rapid recovery post-pandemic and post-Brexit. Food NI is keen to assist and promote the growth of the industry through our marketing expertise and also by continuing to work closely with InvestNI and DAERA.
Thankfully, our food and drink industry has performed steadily during the lockdowns and continued to feed the nation in many innovative ways. If an industry merited greater support from Government to help drive fast economic recovery it is surely food and drink.
We believe that the new licensing proposals need to go further to respond to the changing social and economic environment to meet both current and future demand from local consumers, export markets for quality products and, of course, tourists who will return when the pandemic has subsided. For example, what we would wish to see, in particular, is drink producers being able to sell products on-site.
This is now crucially important due to the numbers of producers offering tastings and tours on their premises. Not being able to do so impacts on the revenue of local companies at a time when these local products are not readily available in the majority of pubs here. It also means they are not in a position to benefit from the growing trend towards sustainable local food and drink.
Food NI, therefore, supports the introduction of a licence that permits local producers to sell directly to consumers and tourists, in the way that producers in competing tourism destinations currently do. We would also recommend the alcohol restrictions at Easter are relaxed, especially to encourage tourism.
Overall, we believe the current laws are a very real barrier to the expansion of the food and drink industry and are inhibiting the competitiveness of our companies, and now is the time for change.
