€4 million investment will double output at Abbeyleix plant and create 20 jobs

International drinks group, Quintessential Brands, has today announced a major investment programme at its production facility in Abbeyleix, County Laois, the home of subsidiary company First Ireland Spirits, Ireland’s largest independent producer of Irish Cream Liqueurs.

The €4 million investment over the next 18 months will more than double the output of the Abbeyleix plant to approximately 2 million cases (over 24 million bottles) per year and create an additional 20 jobs in this historical town in the heart of Ireland.

Almost a year after Quintessential Brands’ acquisition of First Ireland Spirits, this significant investment reinforces the spirits company’s commitment to Abbeyleix, where First Ireland Spirits is already the largest employer, and will transform its operations in Ireland to meet its ambitious growth plans.

These plans include growth in the global volumes of O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream, the imminent launch of luxurious Feeney’s Irish Cream, the development of The Dubliner Whiskey and, in the coming months, the expansion into other Irish whiskey products.  Going forward, Quintessential Brands will also consider additional acquisition opportunities in Ireland.

Commented Quintessential Brands’ co-founder and Director, Warren Scott:  “This investment is part of our ongoing strategy to develop Abbeyleix as the home of Irish Cream, boost our production capabilities, build a premium Irish brand portfolio and expand our contract manufacturing business in Ireland.

“On behalf of the team at First Ireland Spirits, I’d like to thank Enterprise Ireland, who have worked with the company for over 20 years, and AIB for their continued support and commitment.  In addition, we are grateful to Laois County Council who have worked closely with us to facilitate our ambitious production expansion plans,” he said.

Added Anna-Marie Delaney, Director of Services at Laois County Council:  “We are delighted to support Quintessential Brands’ investment in Abbeyleix and welcome their ambitions for the business and for the town with the creation of new jobs and opportunities for County Laois.”

First Ireland Spirits today produces and sells Irish cream liqueurs, Irish country creams and Irish whiskey liqueurs across 35 markets worldwide for some of the world’s largest retailers and drinks companies, making it Ireland’s leading independent producer of private label Irish cream liqueurs and its leading producer of branded and private label Irish country cream.

The portfolio of brands produced by First Ireland Spirits includes O’Mara’s, Feeney’s and The Dubliner.

The acquisition of First Ireland Spirits by Quintessential Brands last year offered the €150 million spirits group an unrivalled foothold in the global market for Irish cream liqueurs and was part of its corporate strategy to become a leading independent player in the global spirits industry.  Since then the privately owned business has acquired 100% of Marblehead Brand Development and, most recently, L&L, France’s leading producer of fruit spirits and liqueurs including the Alizé brand.