Ireland: Stout accounts for 13% of all alcohol consumed in Ireland

13% of all alcohol consumed in Ireland is stout, research showed.

According to Drinks Ireland|Beer stout makes up 29.3% of total beer sales in 2019.

Additionally, the value of stout sales in Ireland was €796 million in 2019, official Revenue clearance figures published earlier this week showed.

In 2019, stout made up 64.3% of total beer production, up by 1.2% from 2018.

Stout makes up part of Ireland’s beer exports, which increased by 8.5% in 2019, reaching €305 million.

Jonathan McDade, Head of Drinks Ireland|Beer said: “Irish stout is world-renowned, beloved by consumers at home and abroad."

"While consumers won’t be able to enjoy their favourite stout in a pub, bar or restaurant today, we’re encouraging them to raise a glass at home to toast the sector," he added.

Like other parts of the drinks industry, COVID-19 has significantly impacted the stout sector.

Between January and September, consumption fell by almost 15% compared to 2019.

Looking specifically at the third quarter, which covers July to September, it was down by 17.2%, the figures showed.

"It’s been a challenging 2020 for stout producers, who will be hoping for some recovery in 2021,” McDade added.

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