Shortcross founder to lead growth of industry through Drinks Ireland
David Boyd-Armstrong, the joint founder and master distiller at Rademon Estate Distillery in Crossgar, Co Down, a Food NI member, has been elected chairman of Drinks Ireland in Dublin, the industry leading body. His role will be on guiding the spirits category in Ireland towards continued success emphasising the quality of Irish spirits on a global scale
David founded the Rademon Estate Distillery, home of Shortcross Gin and Whiskey, with his wife Fiona Boyd-Armstrong in 2012. He has been elected to a two-year term as chair of Drinks Ireland Spirits council, taking over from Bryan Fallon of Heaven Hill.
Drinks Ireland Spirits represents the spirits industry across Ireland on policy advocacy, taxation, trade and market developments, and the ongoing international protection of Ireland’s Geographic Indicators (GIs). He is the director of distilling and blending at Rademon Estate Distillery, which is one of the oldest in the country..
David says: “The spirits industry across the island of Ireland has a vibrant offering and is central to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the island. Domestic sales and exports have steadily risen after a challenging few years.
“It is wonderful to see the growing awareness and appreciation both at home and abroad of unmatched quality of Irish spirits, especially our protected Geographic Indication (GI) spirits: Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Poitín. I look forward to helping bring the category into a new chapter of continued success and growth,” he adds.
Aengus King, head, Drinks Ireland Spirits, continues: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the category with our members producing high quality drinks for enjoyment by consumers here at home but also across some 120 export markets. These businesses are situated in every county across the country, creating jobs and stimulating local economic activity.
“Our exports have shown remarkable growth over the last decade, and we are confident of the long-term future development of our sector, nonetheless there are challenging economic headwinds impacting on the sector at present – inflationary impact on inputs and consumer spending globally, high excise duties and the cost of finance.
“However, I know that David Boyd-Armstrong will bring his years of invaluable experience and expertise to the role of Chair, and I look forward to working with him. I also want to sincerely thank our outgoing chair, Bryan Fallon, for his years of hard work.”
