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THE NUMBER OF craft breweries in Ireland has grown by more than 500% in the last five years.
There are now 72 production microbreweries in operation, up from just 15 in 2012, according to a recent Bord Bia report.
Cork is leading the way with 10 microbreweries, followed by Dublin with seven and Wicklow and Donegal with five each.
Westmeath is the only county in the Republic of Ireland with no microbrewery, while 10 counties have one each.
The report estimates that there are some 100 microbreweries in total, with around 30 being brand owners that source their product from production microbreweries.
The Bord Bia report found that Irish Craft Beer is performing well. In 2012, the recorded consumption market share was 0.6% but that figure reached 3% this year.
Output from the breweries is growing significantly, from 37,000 HL (100 litres) in 2012 to more than 176,000 HL (100 litres) in 2016.
That’s a growth of almost 475%. The volume of production destined for export is estimated at 22% or 39,000 HL (100 litres).
Employment in the facilities has also exceeded 500 for the first time. The report states, ”At 516, the total number of persons employed is 7.6% up on 2016. Of the total 516 persons employed, 342 represent full time jobs.”
Denise Murphy, Beverage Sector Manager at Bord Bia said, “While it is acknowledged that the Irish craft beer category is still very young and that these levels of growth are from a low base, the growth has been sustained over a number of years and looks set to maintain its upward trajectory.
As the category expands, the importance of export business increases for the sector. Demand for craft beer is rising in most markets around the world, driven by consumer preferences for premium product and artisan production.
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I was at it and it was spectacular
Amazing how everyone shuts up about hating Bono and about tax affairs whenever there’s tickets to be had for anU2 gig in Croker…
@Tom Tom: they only went to shout at him for a few hours and get it off their chests.
By many accounts seemed to have been a somewhat tired performance compared to previous.
@Toon Army:
Depends who you ask. For many it was their best performance on home turf in a long time
@Toon Army:
Obviously you weren’t there. It was a great gig
@Toon Army:
I’ve seen them 13 times live and this was indeed their weakest performance that I’ve seen. Bono was off his game and it was a stark contrast to their recent performances in the Point where they were simply incredible. Still Saturday was a great show and the crowd loved it.
@Nick Allen: of the 4 people I have spoken to about it, 3 say bad and 1 says good. (I’m on the bad side)
The journal should do a poll on it !
@Cicero: It was average at best. Felt they were just going through the motions
Was at it and thought it was a poor concert compared to previous U2 concerts…..especially the one in the 3 arena. With 20mins to go there was a steady stream of people leaving which speaks volumes. Agree with a previous poster that it was a tired performance from Bono
Pity the other 3 never address the fans….
@Ken Pepper: I’m struggling to think of any band where anyone but the lead singer/frontman addresses the croud.
There are plenty where they do solos but almost never actually speak to the croud.
I was there, it was a brilliant gig.
Homecoming gig? We’re U2 living permanently abroad?
I was there and can confirm lots of people leaving early.
I was one of them, the sound so poor at Lower Cusack where I was that I couldn’t even make out what Bono was saying between songs let alone when he was singing.
Ironically his voice was at its best in the toilets behind my seating area.
Won’t go to Croke park unless I have pitch tickets where I believe it was OK.
Can’t believe he STILL hasn’t found what he’s looking for.. Maybe it’s behind him.
That was the worst attempt at a heart I’ve ever seen. Looked like a box
have your say