More than 50 industry professionals recently gathered at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) at Loughry Campus for the Northern Ireland Distillers' Conference 2025.

The event, held in partnership with Invest NI, aimed to explore the evolving landscape of the spirits industry, with a focus on Northern Irish whiskey.

Discussions centred on the sector's growing local and international influence, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

The conference featured speakers addressing various topics, including: • UK On-Trade Sector: The UK pub and bar market has rebounded strongly since the inflation peak of 2023. Evolving consumer preferences favour premium spirits with authentic stories, fuelling demand for drinks like tequila and rum. The rise of low and no-alcohol options also reflects a broader shift towards moderation.

• Northern Irish Whiskey Sentiment: Research shows that Northern Irish consumers are increasingly viewing local whiskey positively, with perceptions of its quality and value nearly matching those of Irish whiskey. However, the market remains fragmented, with most brands lacking strong differentiation.

• Tourism: Food and drink experiences have become the leading attraction for short-stay visitors to Northern Ireland. Distillery tourism is highlighted for its ability to support regional supply chains and showcase cultural heritage through immersive visitor experiences.

Attendees also received insights into cutting-edge technologies from Europe's DrinkTec Exhibition, as well as sustainability initiatives like BCorp Certification and energy efficiency support from Invest NI.