Kilbeggan Distillery showcased at European Parliament

To mark 50 years of EU-Japan relations, Midlands North-West MEP Nina Carberry this week hosted Kilbeggan Whiskey at the European Parliament in Brussels.

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

The MEP was joined in Brussels by Kazutoshi Aikawa, Japan's Ambassador to the European Union and Aoife Clarke of Kilbeggan Distillery.

“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.

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

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