The Irish Whiskey Association has warned that approximately 400 jobs in the Irish whiskey industry are at risk due to the impact that COVID-19-related lockdowns are having on Irish whiskey sales.
Newly published data indicates that yearly sales of Irish whiskey doubled to 137 bottles, or 11.4 million cases, between 2010 and 2019, but Irish Whiskey Association chief executive William Lavelle has said that pub and duty free shop closures are threatening sales growth.
The Irish Times quotes Lavelle as saying, "Orders have been cancelled and, in some cases, companies have been called on to take back stock.
"Orders have been cancelled and, in some cases, companies have been called on to take back stock."
"The Picture Changes From Day-To-Day"
Speaking about the 409 people who are employed by distillery visitor centres, Lavelle said, "Some have been redeployed, some are on wage supports, but the picture changes from day-to-day, our members are trying to keep their workers employed."
According to Lavelle, the majority of the 1,000 people who are employed in the field of whiskey production are currently still working.
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