Kilbeggan Whiskey celebrated

Midlands MEP Nina Carberry hosted Kilbeggan Whiskey at the European Parliament in Brussels last week, as part of celebrations marking 50 years of EU, Japan relations.

Kilbeggan Distillery is owned by Japanese company, Suntory Global Spirits. The event highlighted the deepening trade links between Ireland and Japan, and there was a focus on the agri-food and whiskey sectors.

With two-way trade between the two countries now exceeding €21 billion, Ms Carberry used the occasion to underline the importance of EU trade agreements to the Irish economy.

She was joined in Brussels by Kazutoshi Aikawa, Japan’s ambassador to the European Union, and Aoife Clarke of Kilbeggan Distillery.

“This event is particularly timely given the recent launch of the ‘Irish Whiskey Way’ tourism initiative”, Ms Carberry said.

“Kilbeggan is Ireland’s oldest continuously licensed distillery and has greatly benefited from EU trade agreements, particularly with Japan. These links sustain jobs, tourism and exports in the midlands,” she added.

The showcase formed part of Ms Carberry’s ongoing work, as a member of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, to promote opportunities for Irish businesses abroad.