Northern Irish craft beverages bound for Middle East

Beer, cider and gin from Northern Ireland are being exported to the Middle East by Ireland's Craft Beers, a Belfast-based distribution and marketing business.

The company, which is based in Belfast, has won business with the Fattal Group in Beirut for a 22-strong range of craft beers, ciders and spirits from producers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The beverages from Northern Ireland include products from Mourne Mountain Brewery from Warrenpoint, county Down, Hillstown Brewery in Randalstown, county Antrim, Long Meadow Cider of Loughgall in county Armagh, Shortcross Gin, Crossgar, county Down, Copeland fruit infused gin, Saintfield, county Down and Ruby Blue vodka and fruit liqueurs from Lisburn in county Antrim. Products from the Republic also include Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur.

Producers in the Republic White Hag Brewing, county Sligo and Blackwater Distillery in county Wexford.

Shane McCarthy, who set up Irish Craft Beers in 2015 with business partners Liam Brogan and Colin Brannigan, says the first business in the Middle East followed a "general enquiry from a senior buyer at Fattal Group" which led to a dialogue over a number of weeks. "He was interested in sourcing a supply of craft beverages from Ireland.

"We've built up intimate knowledge of all suppliers across Ireland over the last two years, have done extensive sampling and research of premium products, pin-pointing quality alongside suitable taste-profiles.

"We then matched these profiles alongside the buyer's discussions on what they would like, breaking down some innovative selections across 25 different brand suppliers - building up almost 100 unique products for the importer," he adds.

The Fattal Group will be distributing products in Lebanon and featuring in a new retail concept being launched (bar/retail space) based in Beirut. They will be supplying premium hotels, restaurants, bars and off-trade.

Irish Craft Beers, in addition, is exploring other international markets and is actively seeking distributors in Spain/Portugal, Denmark, Middle East, the US, Asia-Pacific and Russia as well UK and Ireland multiples.

Mr McCarthy continues: "We are 100 percent committed and passionate about Irish craft beer and aim to ensure beer lovers further afield get to taste some of what Ireland has to offer. Our mission is to help Irish micro-breweries and distilleries export their premium, artisan produce to reach the international markets, allowing adventurous craft beer drinkers to taste something new.

"While breweries focus on brewing, we concentrate on exporting in the most cost effective, streamlined way possible. Ireland Craft Beers has vast experience in sales, marketing, finance, global logistics and distribution. Combine this with the extensive expertise of Irish craft breweries and we make a formidable team!"

Founded in 1897, Fattal Group provides comprehensive distribution solutions supported by a solid infrastructure, a prerequisite for effective market coverage. The group handles a large product portfolio including food and beverages.

Operating in Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, UAE, Algeria and Egypt, Fattal Group has created a gateway to reaching millions of consumers in the MENA region.