The  Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) has reported that sales and exports of the of Irish gin products are set to increase significantly this year due to the introduction of new Irish brands into the global market.

According to ABFI, Irish alcoholic beverage exports have increased by 8% in the last year to €1.5bn, due to the increase in the demand for the premium spirits and liqueur products.

The demand for the Irish spirits mainly increased from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and France.

The Japanese alcoholic beverage market was reported as the best-performing market among the Asian region, where the sales increased by 30% to €9m.

“The surge in demand for Irish whiskey has resulted in a 20% annual growth to around €600m.”

The surge in demand for Irish whiskey has resulted in a 20% annual growth to around €600m.

ABFI said that the demand for the Irish cream liqueurs increased by 10%.

ABFI director Patricia Callan was quoted by the thespiritsbusiness.com as saying: “The Alcohol Bill could slow down or even reverse this growth, as it includes proposals that would act as a barrier to entry and a barrier to innovation.

“Furthermore, the bill is being introduced at a tumultuous time for Irish business, with 2018 due to be a pivotal year in the Brexit negotiations.”

Last year, the Irish drinks industry is reported to have exported its products to more than 130 markets.