Total cider consumption rose by 0.43% in Ireland in 2018, according to the newly-published "Irish Cider Association Market Report".
The report indicates that 64 million litres of cider were consumed in Ireland last year, resulting in a €61 million contribution to the exchequer in excise payments.
Cider was Ireland's third most popular alcoholic beverage in 2018, with a market share of 7.5%, according to Revenue. However, its market share decreased marginally last year from 7.7% in 2017.
Approximately 75% of cider consumed in Ireland last year was produced in the Republic of Ireland. This marked a 2% increase in the market share for local purchases year-on-year.
"A Valuable Contribution To Our Economy"
Irish Cider Association chairman Seamus O'Hara stated, "The Irish Cider Association is being re-established to help our 15 member companies, many of whom are recent entrants to the business, to adapt to new realities. Consumers are demanding quality products and thus, as an industry, we've had to change our products to cater for that. Ireland's cider industry makes a valuable contribution to our economy and cultural life, making it one of the most exciting industries to be in at the moment. As a result, cider drinkers in Ireland have unprecedented choice of cider products in our restaurants, pubs and retail outlets."
The Importance Of Mitigating "External Negatives For The Industry"
Meanwhile, head of the Irish Cider Association Jonathan McDade commented, "Today, about 85% of cider exports go to the UK. The likelihood of a no-deal Brexit, with potential tariffs on both inputs and finished product, has increased uncertainty for producers and could impact investment within the sector. It is vital that the government does all it can to mitigate these external negatives for the industry.
"At the moment, Irish cider consumers pay the third highest rate of excise on cider in the European Union, taking up nearly 30% of every pint. We believe the government should reverse its recession era emergency excise measures with an excise rate reduction in Budget 2020 to support the sector."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
