Suntory, the Japanese beverages giant, has announced plans to shift the bottling of its Cooley Distillery-produced whiskeys—Kilbeggan, Tyrconnell, and Connemara—from its current facility in Dundalk, Co Louth, to locations in Scotland and Spain.
Strategic Shift in Bottling Operations
The move marks a significant change for Cooley Distillery, which has been a key player in the Irish whiskey industry. Suntory, which owns Cooley Distillery, plans to consolidate its bottling operations by transferring production to its facilities in Spain and Scotland. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to optimize Suntory’s production and distribution capabilities across Europe.
The decision to move the bottling overseas is part of Suntory’s efforts to streamline its operations and better align with its European market demands. The company has not disclosed the specific reasons for this shift, but it is likely related to cost efficiencies and logistical considerations.
The Cooley Distillery Legacy
Cooley Distillery, known for producing a variety of whiskeys including Kilbeggan, Tyrconnell, and Connemara, has been integral to the resurgence of Irish whiskey in global markets. The distillery’s whiskeys have gained a loyal following over the years, known for their distinctive qualities and craftsmanship. However, the shift in bottling operations does not appear to signal any changes in the production of these whiskeys, which will continue to be distilled at the Dundalk site.
Implications for the Local Workforce
The move of bottling operations abroad raises concerns for the local workforce at the Dundalk facility. Suntory has yet to clarify how this transition will impact jobs in Ireland, though it is expected that some bottling-related roles could be affected. Nonetheless, the distillery’s continued production in Ireland suggests that Cooley will remain a key part of Suntory’s portfolio.
This move reflects broader trends in the global spirits industry, where companies often centralize bottling and distribution operations in cost-effective locations to meet demand more efficiently. It remains to be seen how this will affect Suntory’s branding and marketing strategies for its Irish whiskey brands in the European and global markets.
