Representatives of the Irish Whiskey Affiliation (IWA) visited Mexico this previous week, selling hyperlinks between Eire and the Fifteenth-largest financial system on this planet.
The IWA — self-described as “the consultant voice … working to advertise, defend and signify the Irish whiskey class globally” — sees Mexico as a market with “unbelievable scope for development.”
(Tullamore D.E.W./on X)
The commerce physique views Mexico — “with a inhabitants of 130 million with a rising center class, a robust and proud spirits custom amongst its customers and a pure affinity and friendship with Eire” — as a “brilliant alternative.”
That outlook has improved as Mexico has gained recognition because the presumptive Cocktail Capital of the World, particularly after Mexico Metropolis’s Handshake Speakeasy was named the World’s Finest Bar in 2024. The Handshake Speakeasy — situated within the Zona Rosa neighborhood — “slumped” to second-best on this yr’s world rankings however nonetheless retained its declare to Finest Bar in North America.
In a speech on the biennial OriGIn convention in Morelia final week, the IWA lauded Mexico’s world-leading cocktail tradition and praised the deep respect for spirits of provenance reminiscent of tequila and mezcal.
“As such, Mexico supplies a pure stage for Irish whiskey to showcase its personal heritage, high quality and flexibility,” Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the IWA stated.
OriGIn is the Group for an Worldwide Geographical Indications Community, a worldwide NGO that campaigns for the authorized safety of geographical indications (GIs). GIs are indicators used on merchandise which have a selected geographical origin and possess qualities, traits or a popularity primarily as a consequence of its origin. Tequila has GI standing as do Irish whiskey, Irish Cream and Irish Poitín.
Irish whiskey exports surpassed US $1 billion final yr, however commerce relations with the U.S., its largest market, have change into tense as a consequence of tariffs imposed on the European Union by the Trump administration. Consequently, producers are exploring different rising areas for potential development.
The IWA stated Irish whiskey export worth to Mexico has elevated four-fold during the last 4 years, albeit from a low base.
“There may be unbelievable scope for development in our drinks exports to Mexico,” Ó Catháin instructed The Whiskey Wash journal. “The IWSR (Worldwide Wine and Spirits Document), which tracks alcohol gross sales and traits worldwide, has recognized Mexico as among the many markets with the best potential.”
As a part of its promotional marketing campaign, the IWA hosted an Irish whiskey tasting on Oct. 13 on the Irish Ambassador’s residence in Mexico Metropolis. The occasion coincided with ongoing celebrations recognizing 50 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Eire.
With stories from The Spirits Enterprise, The Whiskey Wash and Drinks Business Eire
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