West Cork Distillers Revenue and Competitors

Formed in 2003 by John O'Connell and his two cousins Ger and Denis McCarthy, West Cork Distillers (WCD) has grown to almost 80 employees and circa €25 million annual revenue. The distillery is situated in Skibbereen, West Cork, and once the latest expansion is completed, the distillery will produce approximately 4.5 million litres of alcohol, making it the largest independently Irish owned distillery in the country. WCD is the only distillery in Ireland that distills, matures and bottles on site and is open for contract bottling with regards to contract activity. Being able to produce everything on-site provides cost benefits and a strong competitive advantage for the company. Over the past 5 years, the company has consistently exhibited strong growth. For example, in Q1 2018, WCD sold 123k cases. However, in Q1 2019 this figure soared to 200k... that's a 62% year-on-year growth, with no signs of demand waning. Unlike many other distilleries, WCD has 4 sources of revenue. 1. Own branded 2. Bulk Spirit & Fermentates 3. Contract Manufacturing 4. Wholesale The company is well positioned to benefit from the continued rapid growth of Irish whiskey and therefore deliver on its mission to provide sustainable employment to the local community.