THE company behind a multi-million-pound whiskey distillery in north Belfast has secured a new distribution deal in Poland.
The Belfast Distillery Company has signed a deal with Navigator - Spirit Depot, which will see the company export ‘McConnell’s Irish Whisky’ in the Eastern European country.
The whiskey firm, now backed by US investment, is currently taking forward a £20 million distillery development and tourist facility at Crumlin Road Gaol.
The multi-million-pound venture was first mooted by lottery winner Peter Lavery in 2012.
The proposal, now being taken forward by a number of US-based business figures, secured planning approval in March 2021.
McConnell’s, which dates back to 1776, has been revived as a brand by the Belfast Distillery Company, recently winning a gold medal at the Warsaw Spirits Competition for its five-year-old blend.
The awards have helped build the spirit’s portfolio internationally, boosting its distribution network.
Chief executive John Kelly said the Poland deal is the latest in the company’s expanding international distribution network.
“We have now secured a long-term partnership with Navigator - Spirit Depot in Poland and I am very impressed by their knowledge, trade relationship and passion for quality product,” he said.
“We are thrilled to partner with them in Poland.”
Grzegorz Suroweiecki from the Polish distributor, said: “We have seen the growth of the Irish whiskey category over the last number of years and wanted to find the right strategic relationship.
“We are confident that we have done just that through our partnership with Belfast Distillery Company and McConnell’s Irish Whisky."
