Three of the world’s largest whisky producers have paused production in three of the most essential whisky-producing nations. Pernod Ricard, Diageo, and Brown-Forman have laid out plans to halt production this year.
Pernod Ricard will halt production at its Irish whisky plant in Middleton Distillery this April.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Irish Distillers can confirm that Midleton Distillery is adjusting its production schedule for a routine, periodic review.
“This review demonstrates our ability to be agile with our production cycles and has been enabled through improved operational efficiency and state-of-the-art production facilities.”
Top Whisky Producers Will Cut Production This Year
The brand continued to explain its plans for the closure and future production,
“The distillery will temporarily pause production in early April 2025 and recommence in the summer to support the sustainable global growth of its portfolio of Irish whiskeys.
“We remain fully committed to the production of Irish whiskey at Midleton Distillery and have communicated this adjustment to our staff, suppliers, customers, and contractors to enable forward business planning.”
On March 7, Diageo halted production at one of its Kentucky distilleries, citing increased production efficiency. The move follows a mothballing move by Brown-Forman earlier this year.
The three distilleries may light up growing overproduction concerns in all three countries. Ireland, England, and the United States are the top whisky-producing nations.
Other critics have suggested that the move was triggered by fears of tariff increases under the Trump/Vance administration. However, Brown-Forman’s mothballing plans were made early last year, long before the Trump victory.
Whenever whisky production exceeds demands, it has led to economic disaster for producers. These companies are likely preparing for the worst as a tight economy has reduced consumer confidence, resulting in tighter budgets.
Whisky has been around for centuries and will remain long after the trade wars. Like Pernod Ricard, Diageo, and Brown-Forman, consumers are taking precautions.
