Industry & Business

The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) has successfully registered ‘Irish whiskey’ as a certification mark in Australia. This registration provides legal protection for Irish whiskey in Australia for the first time. This will mean that decisive action can be taken against fake Irish whiskey products and will ensure consumer confidence in the quality and authenticity of Irish whiskey.

Australia is a top ten export market for Irish whiskey and one of the fastest-growing. In 2017, 1.9 million bottles of Irish whiskey were sold in Australia and according to the CSO the volume of Irish whiskey exports to Australia increased by 35% in the first 10 months of 2018.

Commenting on the registration, Carleen Madigan, Legal Advisor of the IWA, said: “The registration of Irish whiskey as a certification mark in Australia is a major achievement in our efforts to protect the integrity of Irish whiskey in Australia as a significant export market. This registration means Irish whiskey for the first time is protected and defined in Australian law, which will greatly enhance our ability take action against rogue traders. This will ensure Irish whiskey maximises its potential and maintains its growth trajectory.”