PJ Rigney, the owner of The Shed Distillery - which makes Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin - said that China is a priority market for the future of its international trade.
PJ Rigney and distillery co-founder Denise Rigney are in Shanghai at the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is being attended by over 400,000 visitors from 154 countries.
A total of 3,400 international exhibitors are showcasing their products and services at the event as they aim to gain a foothold in the booming Chinese import economy, which is expected to reach $17 trillion in the next five years.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, based in Co Leitrim, exports to over 80 countries and is one of the fastest-growing gin brands in the world. The brand also sells in over 60 international airports.
Mr Rigney said the interest in Gunpowder Gin in China is remarkable.
"Chinese attendees are intrigued to learn that gunpowder tea from China is one of the main botanicals in our gin, which is slow-distilled by hand with oriental botanicals and gunpowder tea in Leitrim," he said.
"The response is extraordinary. Chinese consumers and trade are embracing the brand at CIIE with enthusiasm. The brand has also received a warm welcome from Chinese business," he said
"This is a pivotal time to develop business in China to remain competitive on a global scale," he added.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin is also in China today as part of the major Government trade mission to Asia.
China has a population of over 1.4 billion people and a middle-income group of over 400 million people and constitutes the world's second-largest consumer market and the largest online retail market.
