Great Northern Distillery, one of Ireland’s largest independent whiskey producers, has announced that it has signed a long-term cooperation agreement with Tsingtao Brewery, one of China’s leading beverage companies.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in Great Northern Distillery’s expansion into the Chinese market and creates an important platform for the growth of Irish whiskey across Asia.

Under the agreement, Great Northern Distillery will enter into a long-term supply arrangement to provide mature Irish whiskeys across its full portfolio, ranging from three-year-old to 21-year-old expressions. As part of the cooperation, the distillery will also provide technical expertise and support to Tsingtao Brewery as it develops its own Chinese whiskey distillery.

Established in 2014 by John Teeling, Jim Finn and David Hynes, Great Northern Distillery is one of Ireland’s largest distilling groups. It operates two modern distilleries on a 5.5-hectare site in Dundalk, County Louth, with an annual production capacity of eight million litres in pot stills and 12 million litres in column stills.

Founded in 1903, Tsingtao Brewery operates one of the strongest beverage distribution networks in China. The partnership with Great Northern Distillery provides an exceptional platform for the development, distribution and promotion of Irish whiskey across one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Commenting on the agreement, John Teeling, Chairman of Great Northern Distillery, said: “This agreement represents a tremendous opportunity to participate in what I believe will be the next great growth market for Irish whiskey. Over the coming years, perhaps one billion people across Asia will join the middle class. As incomes rise, consumers will increasingly seek premium international products and experiences, and Irish whiskey is exceptionally well placed to meet that demand.”

“Equally important is taste. Irish whiskey’s smooth, mellow and slightly sweeter character makes it particularly well suited to Asian consumers. However, great products require great distribution.”

“There can be no better partner than Tsingtao Brewery. Its distribution network reaches every region of China and continues to expand internationally. It has taken considerable commitment from many people to reach this point, and I believe the future for this partnership is extremely bright.”

The two companies will also collaborate on developing a range of whiskey labels specifically designed for Asian consumers. A specialist blending team has been established to create whiskey styles tailored to Chinese tastes and consumer preferences.