Help and support for exporting

Titanic Distillers is the first Belfast based whiskey distillery in over 90 years. The business is based in the shipyard where the Titanic and many of its sister vessels were built.

This distillery marks a major revival of Belfast's whiskey-making tradition, an industry dormant since the era of prohibition in the 1930s.

Siobhán Winston, General Manager at Titanic Distillers, shares the company's journey into exporting, which countries they currently export to, how those countries were chosen and the support that helped their growth.

Preparing to export

"We currently export to numerous countries including the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Ukraine, Denmark, and the Netherlands."

"While researching these markets, I conducted comprehensive case studies for each country to understand the market landscape before engaging with potential distributors. It was essential to research the various market requirements, including regulatory compliance, labelling laws, import duties, and other standard compliance criteria unique to each country. "

"Exporting plays a big role in our company’s growth. It helps us reach new customers, expands our sales beyond the local market, and reduces risk by not relying on just one region. "

"Going international has also pushed us to improve our products and stay competitive, as different markets often have distinct preferences. Overall, this expansion has been key to scaling the business and spotting new opportunities."

Business challenges

"One of the biggest challenges we faced was navigating the different rules and regulations in each country; it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We managed this by thorough research and relying on local contacts familiar with specific details. Identifying the right distributors was crucial for successfully entering new markets."

"Another challenge was the lengthy time required to establish new export channels. Looking back, we would have set more realistic expectations for this timeline."

"We also encountered barriers when competing for funding or accessing support, as the Irish whiskey market has grown significantly, increasing competition with other new brands looking for guidance and resources."

Events and networking

"Establishing strong networks in target markets is vital. These networks provide insights into local market dynamics, help mitigate risks, and facilitate connections with key stakeholders."

"We have participated in many trade missions and exhibitions including ProWein, an international trade fair for wine and spirits, with Invest NI. We also joined the Going Dutch programmes with Invest NI and recently travelled to Japan with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)."

Support and guidance

"Securing financial and advisory support has been key to our success. Access to the right financial resources allowed efficient scaling, investment in key areas, and effective cash flow management during growth phases."

“We have had support from Invest NI on their Going Dutch programme, trade stand assistance at ProWein and arranged meetings with potential distributors in new territories."

"Ongoing support from DBT through trade missions to the US, Europe, and Japan has also been invaluable."