Drinks Ireland | Spirits has announced that Claire McCarrick from Irish Distillers has been elected as is new chairperson.
Drinks Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the drink sector announced McCarrick’s appointment to its spirits council, replacing David Boyd-Armstrong of Rademon Estate Distillery.
McCarrick, who is currently senior public affairs and external communications manager at Irish Distillers, will serve a two year term as chair of Drinks Ireland | Spirits.
Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard company, produces some of the most well-known Irish whiskeys and is one of the country’s leading supplier of spirits.
The Council, which represents the spirits industry across the island of Ireland, works on policy advocacy, trade and market developments, category promotion and the ongoing international protection of Ireland’s spirit Geographic Indicators (GIs).
McCarrick has over 15 years’ experience working in public affairs and corporate communications at both a national and EU level.
Previously, she worked as an account director at a leading public affairs consultancy and in the European Parliament as a policy advisor.
‘A New Era Of Continued Growth And Success’
Speaking about her appointment, McCarrick said, “The spirits sector across the island of Ireland is driven by business, small and large, that are proud of the quality products they produce, the jobs and economic vibrancy they bring to communities and the touchpoints they create with consumers right across the globe.
“It’s inspiring to see the growing recognition and appreciation, at home and internationally, of the exceptional quality of Irish spirits, particularly our protected Geographic Indication (GI) products: Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream, and Póitín.
“I’m excited to help guide the category into a new era of continued growth and success.”
Head of Drinks Ireland | Spirits, Aengus Cox, added, “Irish spirit drinks exports are valued at almost €1.5 billion annually.
“While our exports have grown impressively over the past decade and we remain optimistic about the sector’s long-term prospects, we are very conscious of the trade uncertainty that impacted our sector during 2025 and remain focused on restoring zero-for-zero tariff trading conditions with the US as soon as possible.
“I’m confident that Claire’s extensive experience and expertise will be a huge asset in her new role as Chair, and we look forward to working alongside her.
“We also want to express our sincerest gratitude to our outgoing chair, David Boyd-Armstrong, for his input, time and guidance throughout his term.”
Read More: Spirit Exports Up Last Year While Domestic Sales Fell – Drinks Ireland