2 days ago
Irish Drinks Forum 2025 to focus on 'building resilience' in sector
The impact of tariffs on the drinks sector will be among the major talking points at the Irish Drinks Forum 2025.
The event, which takes place in Athenry, Co. Galway next month, is seen as the country's flagship event for the food-and-beverage export sector.
Senior executives from global drinks brands, government and supply chain leaders will gather for the event as sector faces a new era of disruption and opportunity.
The forum will feature a line-up of international brands, industry pioneers, and policy leaders.
This year's Irish Drinks Forum comes at a critical time as producers navigate global trade tensions including tariffs, supply chain shocks, climate pressures and shifting consumer demand.
Irish drinks exports reached record highs in 2024, but those in the sector warn that volatility across raw materials, international markets and regulation is intensifying.
Hosted at the BIA Innovator Campus from September 3-4, this year's forum will feature keynote appearances from global industry leaders.
Among those due to address the delegates will be Jamie Fulham, planning and media manager Diageo, and Emma Walls, chief executive of the National Dairy Council (NDC).
Over 40 sector leaders from across Ireland, Europe, Asia and North America will contribute to the forum, spanning whiskey, beer, Irish cream liqueurs, cider, spirits, malt, finance, sustainability, and innovation.
The drinks sector now accounts for almost half of Ireland's total food and drink exports and supports over 38,000 jobs nationwide.
Lynn Harte, Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation programme manager, BIA Innovator Campus and programme manager of the Irish Drinks Forum, said the event is "more than just a conference".
'It's a strategic spark for Ireland's drinks industry at a time when building resilience, innovation, and connection matter more than ever.
"At BIA Innovator Campus, we're proud to host and power this national platform that unites producers, pioneers, and policymakers under one roof.
"As the operational home of the forum, we're not just facilitating conversations, we're shaping the future of food and drink from the ground up.
"This year's programme is bold, forward-thinking, and built on collaboration and we're excited to see the industry's next chapter take shape here in Athenry," she said.
Mary Sadlier, CEO of Coole Swan Cream Liqueur, welcomed that this year's forum is focused on building resilience in the industry.
'Our resilience is all about moving forward, you only lose when you stop moving. In a retail-based business the numbers really matter," she said.
