The Irish Drinks Forum 2024 returns this Thursday, September 12, to the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry, Co. Galway following the success of last year’s inaugural event.
This year’s theme is ‘Wiser Ways: Embracing Today’s Challenges to Harness Tomorrow’s Opportunities’.
The organisers have said that the theme has inspired a “dynamic and engaging programme” that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to discuss the future of Ireland’s drinks sector.
The one-day event, which includes a fee to attend, is powered by BIA Innovator Campus and supported by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, Bord Bia, Taste 4 Success Skillnet, and Brims.
The organisers have described it as a unique opportunity for stakeholders across the value chain to engage in crucial discussions, gain valuable insights, explore innovative solutions and network with their peers.
Irish Drinks Forum
24 speakers from Ireland’s all-island industry make up the event’s line-up of experts which includes: Tom Cronin (Rye River Brewing Co.); June O’Connell (Skellig Six 18 Distillery); Elliot Hughes (Dingle Distillery + Porterhouse Group); Michael Jacob (Bord Bia); John O’Connell (West Cork Distillery); and Johnny Harte (Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur).
Facilitating the exchange of experts’ knowledge and views will be Dr. Gordon Steele, one of the world’s leading experts on whisky and founding director of the Scotch Whisky Research Institute in Edinburgh.
Bringing together key stakeholders – from agri-producers to distillers, brewers, state agencies, suppliers and brand houses – the day-long event is designed to foster dynamic discussion, knowledge sharing, and future-focused thinking.
The aim is to ensure that Ireland’s drinks industry stays resilient and forward-looking despite global uncertainties.
BIA chair, Peter Feeney said: “BIA Innovator Campus is delighted to host the Irish Drinks Forum in Athenry for the second time.
“It really is the place to be for anyone working in the Irish drinks sector and this year’s event will be a genuinely useful forum for collaboration, networking, knowledge-sharing, and industry-wide discussions.
“The Irish Drinks Forum is where the industry’s brightest minds can come together to shape the future, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming so many of them here to Galway again.”
Topics which will be discussed include raising capital, navigating sustainability and leveraging market opportunities.