Belfast’s very own McConnell’s Irish Whisky is celebrating a landmark year of global expansion, with the brand now available in almost 50 countries worldwide following its launch into nine new markets in 2025. That expansion spreads the McConnell’s footprint across Asia Pacific, Africa, and Europe with the new markets including Greece, Croatia, Czech Republic, Albania, Germany, Georgia, Italy, Kenya and New Zealand.
This brand expansion marks a milestone for the Belfast-based company as it continues its mission to put the city back at the heart of the global whisky map and follows a period of significant momentum for the brand since the opening of its Distillery and Visitor Experience in April 2024.
McConnell’s Global Commercial Manager Shauna Parkes said:
“2025 has been a breakthrough year for McConnell’s Irish Whisky. Expanding into nine new countries not only strengthens our global footprint, but reinforces our long-term mission of putting Belfast back on the world whisky map where it belongs.
“While there are challenges facing the global spirits industry Irish Whisky continues to outperform, and our brand is very well-positioned to capture this momentum. We are energised by the opportunities ahead and proud to see McConnell’s connecting with consumers across an ever-expanding global community. Each new market we enter is a further extension of Belfast’s whisky global footprint, which is something we are immensely proud of.
“The increase in our global footprint goes hand in hand with the global recognition of the quality of our whisky. At McConnell’s Irish Whisky we hold our whisky back in the cask until it is 5 years old, going the extra mile to ensure true harmony of flavour and a whisky that Belfast can be proud of. This investment in time and in the craft of whisky making has resulted in McConnell’s Irish Whisky being recognised for the quality of the product across the industry with no less than 52 global whisky industry awards won since its relaunch in 2020.”