Growing global demand for Irish whiskey will be met by a new €250m state-of-the-art distillery in Cork.
rish Distillers confirmed that it will invest €250m in a new distillery in Midleton, East Cork, which will complement its historic distillery on the same site and which now ranks as one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin unveiled the project, which he said was of enormous economic and tourist benefit to Cork and Ireland.
“The continued success of the Irish whiskey industry is something we can be incredibly proud of as a nation,” he said.
“Irish Distillers has played an integral role in the development of the industry. Whiskey has been distilled in Midleton for almost 200 years, and the €250 million investment will create hundreds more jobs in the future, both during construction like once the distillery is operational.”
“Today’s announcement is an extremely positive development for Midleton and the wider region, and will further cement Midleton’s reputation as the home of Irish whiskey.”
The Taoiseach said that Irish whiskey was now achieving its huge export potential with huge benefits to the economy.
Irish Distillers chief executive Nodjame Fouad said it was a historic day for the company.
“At Irish Distillers we are always planning for the future growth of Irish whiskey and today is a momentous day for Irish Distillers and the team at Midleton Distillery as we announce a €250m investment plan to deliver a new state-of-the-art distillery that be a carbon neutral operation.
“We are immensely proud of the continued strong performance of our entire Irish whiskey portfolio, led by Jameson, which sold more than 10 million cases in our fiscal year 2022.”
“The new distillery will be a beautiful and historic development with sustainability at its core and will serve to further demonstrate our commitment to Midleton and East Cork, bringing more jobs to the region and further driving Midleton Distillery’s recognition as the beating heart of Irish whiskey.”
The distillery will create 100 new jobs when fully operational by 2025.
During the construction phase, the project will generate 800 jobs.
The new distillery will produce some of the world’s most successful Irish whiskey brands, including Jameson, Powers, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, the Spot family, as well as Method and Madness.
Over the past decade, Jameson has become the fastest growing spirits brand in global markets.
The new distillery will be located on a 55-acre site adjacent to and connected to the world famous Midleton Distillery.
Planning for the new development will be presented shortly with Cork Co Council.
Construction work is expected to begin, once planning is secured, in 2023 with a target of plant commissioning in 2025.
The distillery will produce stills and grain whiskey with grain making, brewing, fermentation and distillation facilities incorporated on the new 55-acre site.
Irish Distillers previously announced plans to invest €50m to fund projects aimed at transforming Midleton Distillery into a carbon neutral operation by the end of 2026.
When fully operational, the Midleton Distillery will increase demand for Irish barley by more than 50%.