A Donegal-based brewing company, who travelled to Philadelphia last week to showcase their award-winning craft products to key influencers in the US drinks industry, have hailed the trip a huge success.
Niall McColgan from The Muff Liquor Company has encouraged other local companies to avail of forthcoming opportunities to take part in export market programmes being organised by the two local council authorities in Donegal and Derry and Strabane.
Niall was part of an Ireland Northwest delegation with Donegal County Council to attend a prestigious Craft Drinks event entitled ‘In Good Spirits’, where they were given an insight into the US beverage industry and received advice and assistance on how to bring their produce to market in the United States.
McColgan said the visit was particularly useful in providing an overview of how to enter the market in terms of financial support, insurance and legal considerations and branding.
He said: “Philadelphia is a great place to start as it is close to both Boston and New York and provides us with a cost-effective base from which to explore other US markets.”
The visit comes just weeks ahead of a call out to local businesses to sign up for Ireland Northwest’s ‘Gateway to Growth International Export Programme’, which is financed by The Executive Office and the Irish Government.
“Being part of the Ireland North West delegation was a great way to make contacts and learn more about the market first-hand,” McColgan continued.
“It provided us with a forum to showcase our products and highlight the quality of the food and beverage offering which is coming from the North West of Ireland.
“Irish spirits are very much on trend now and this was a great opportunity for us to put our products in front of a new market.”
Workshops will be held on Tuesday 4th June, 9am -2pm @ Strahans Road Civic Amenity Site Strabane and Wednesday 12th June, 9am – 2pm @ Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Bishop Street, Derry.
