Chinese Ambassador urges Leitrim’s Shed Distillery to escalate Gunpowder Gin production as brand launches in China

The Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Mr. He Xiangdong was joined by Minister for European Affairs, Peter Burke for a special ceremony at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, today (Tuesday 13th February) to celebrate today’s historic launch of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin in China.

China is the world’s largest drinks market and Irish gin exports to China have grown by almost 200% over the past 5 years with demand for premium and super-premium gin brands set  to outpace the rest of the category by 2027. 

Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke, and the Chinese Ambassador, He Xiangdong, take part in a tasting session with (from left) Denise and Pat Rigney (founders of The Shed Distillery) and Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Justin Warnock. Pictures: Brian Farrell

Pat and Denise Rigney (founders and owners of family-run The Shed Distillery) presented the Chinese Ambassador with a special limited-edition ceramic Chinese Dragon bottle of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin to mark the momentous occasion.

Mr. Rigney said the entry to the Chinese market is a pivotal milestone for Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, which will precipitate significant new local job creation at The Shed  Distillery, which currently e

mploys over 100 locals.   With China’s imports set to hit 17 trillion dollars over the next five years, Rigney says the launch of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin in China is key to remaining competitive on a global scale as the brand  strives to become one of the top ten gin brands in the world.

Chinese Ambassador, He Xiangdong, speaking at The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo today.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is now officially available in China and will roll out to Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and other major Chinese cities over the coming months. EKO integrated Services, who are The Shed Distillery’s distribution partners in China, say there is enormous potential for the Leitrim brand as the country actively focuses on accelerating high-quality imports, in particular of high-end super-premium brands and products that stand apart as unique.

EKO Integrated Services first showcased Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin in China last November at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) where the brand received an ‘extraordinary response’ according to Pat Rigney, who travelled to Shanghai for the event. 

“Chinese consumers and trade really embraced the brand with enthusiasm.   They were intrigued by the Chinese elements of the brand, which uses gunpowder tea from China as one of the main botanicals in the gin, which is slow-distilled by hand with oriental botanicals and gunpowder tea in Leitrim.”

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin 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. 

Chinese Ambassador, He Xiangdong, Deputy Frank Feighan and Pat and Denis Rigney admiring the specially commissioned Year of The Dragon bottle of Gunpowder Irish Gin.

He Xiangdong, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland:

“The launch of the Dragon Special Edition of Gunpowder Gin, in celebration of the Chinese New Year, embodies the rich cultural tapestry of China and demonstrates the warm, collaborative spirit between our nations. 

“The adoption of Chinese tradition by such a distinguished Irish brand reflects the deep mutual respect and partnership between our countries. The introduction of this special edition, inspired by the auspicious symbol of the dragon, represents a seamless blend of Irish innovation and Chinese heritage.

“As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, I extend my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and success to Irish businesses venturing into the Chinese market. I am thrilled to hear that Gunpowder Gin will soon be available in China. May this special edition be a testament to the thriving connections and continued collaboration between China and Ireland.”

Cllr Justin Warnock, Cathaoirleach  Leitrim County Council:

“We are honoured to welcome the Chinese Ambassador, Mr. He Xiangdong to County Leitrim on this historic occasion.  Drumshanbo is one of the best known Irish towns in the world thanks to the international popularity of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin.  Bringing the brand to China will truly make us global celebrities.    

“Today’s wonderful news is a tribute to the very special vision and partnership between the incredible community in Drumshanbo, the Food Hub and The Shed Distillery at the home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin.   This year marks the tenth anniversary of The Shed Distillery opening in Drumshanbo and what an incredible 10 years it has been. 

“From just 2 employees in 2014, The Shed has now created over 100 local jobs, created over 7 remarkable gin, whiskey and vodka brands and opened the extraordinary Shed Distillery Visitor Experience.   We look forward to welcoming many more Chinese visitors to Co. Leitrim in the very near future.”   

Cllr Justin Warnock, Cathaoirleach, Leitrim County Council.

Pat Rigney, Founder & owner of The Shed Distillery:

“As a family-run business, myself and Denise value people and relationships above all else.  Relationships and respect are central to doing business in China, an extraordinary country and culture.   Our Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin journey commenced in China where we discovered gunpowder tea.  

“This year, the Chinese Year of the Dragon, The Shed Distillery  celebrates our tenth anniversary, which we mark with our special limited-edition ceramic Chinese Dragon bottle of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, celebrating the coming together of our two unique cultures. 

“There is a special karma surrounding our journey with our esteemed Chinese friends and it is a true honour to welcome His Excellency Mr. He Xiangdong Chinese Ambassador to The Shed Distillery and the home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin today. 

“Our extraordinary team at the Shed Distillery are intrinsic to moments like today.  We prize our partnership with the remarkable community here in Drumshanbo, and our shared vision which has guided our journey over the last ten years, and led to making today’s announcement come to be.”