National Off-Licence Association Announces Irish Wine Show Star Awards

The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has awarded its annual Irish Wine Show Star Awards to 48 wines.

Details

The annual event, now in its 22nd year, was hosted in-person for the first time in two years at the Morrison Hotel in Dublin.

At the event, NOffLA also expressed the disappointment of its members that an alcohol excise reduction was not considered as part of Budget 2023 and that Ireland continues to levy the highest excise on wine across the EU and UK.

NOffLA, along with the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), called for a 7.5% reduction in alcohol excise levels in Budget 2023, supported by a further 7.5% reduction next year to bring Ireland's alcohol excise regime in line with European levels and to also help protect the commercial viability of businesses within the Irish drinks sector in an increasingly challenging trading environment.

Statement By NOffLA Chairman

Speaking at the awards, Gary O'Donovan, chairman of NOffLA said, "We are delighted to celebrate the exceptional wines sold by NOffLA members around the country and enjoyed by our fantastic customers, and I want to congratulate all winners this evening and thank all those that made submissions this year.

"Unfortunately, Irish drinks sector businesses are burdened with the highest levels of alcohol excise in the EU and UK, and excise increases from a decade ago remain in place and continue to impact these small, independent businesses. It is disappointing that an excise reduction was not included in Budget 2023 given the increasingly uncertain economic conditions these businesses now face.

"It is also particularly disappointing given that with minimum unit pricing coming into effect earlier this year, which now safeguards against the retailing of alcohol at dangerously low prices, Ireland's punitively high excise levels are no longer justified from a public health perspective."

2022-2023 Gold Star Awards Winners

In excess of 600 wines were submitted to the Star Award adjudication panel of NOffLA judges and independent wine journalists. Points were awarded on the basis of appearance, smell, taste and value for money criteria, and the winning 16 were selected as the best wines from key suppliers across a number of price categories.

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