Illva Saronno Makes Irish Whiskey Play

Italy’s Illva Saronno has acquired a 50% stake in family-owned Irish whiskey producer Walsh Whiskey Distillery, according to news reports. Bolstered by the investment, Walsh Whiskey—which produces both The Irishman and Writers Tears whiskey brands, among others—has unveiled a €25 million ($40m) expansion project in Royal Oak, Co Carlow, comprising a new 400,000-case distillery, expanded warehouse capacity and a visitors center.

Founded in 1999, Walsh Whiskey reported a 300% increase in revenue over the past five years, with the vast majority of its sales generated by exports. Last year, Irish whiskey was up 18% in the U.S., according to Impact Databank, surpassing 2 million nine-liter cases for the first time.

Tagged : Irish whiskey, spirits, whiskey

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