GND agrees long-term agreement with Tsingtao Brewery
Great Northern Distillery (“GND”), one of Ireland’s largest independent whiskey producers, has signed a long-term cooperation agreement with Tsingtao Brewery, one of China’s leading beverage companies.
Mr Zhiwei Cai, Chairman of Tsingtao Royalcask Liqour and GND Chairman John Teeling
The agreement, finalised in Dublin on 30 July 2026, represents a significant milestone in Great Northern Distillery’s expansion into the Chinese market and creates an important new platform for the growth of Irish whiskey across Asia.
Tsingtao plans to introduce a range of Irish whiskeys through its extensive distribution network.
GND will enter into a long-term supply agreement under which it will provide mature Irish whiskeys across its full portfolio, ranging from 3-year-old to 21-year-old expressions.
The two companies will also collaborate to develop a range of whiskey labels specifically designed for Asian consumers. A specialist blending team has been established to create whiskey styles tailored to Chinese tastes and consumer preferences.
As part of the cooperation agreement, Great Northern Distillery will also provide technical expertise and support to Tsingtao Brewery as it develops its own Chinese whiskey distillery.
A Strategic Partnership
Tsingtao Brewery operates one of the strongest beverage distribution networks in China. The cooperation with Great Northern Distillery provides an exceptional platform for the development, distribution and promotion of Irish whiskey throughout one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Founded in 1903, Tsingtao Brewery is one of China’s most recognised and internationally respected beverage companies. It ranks as one of the largest beer producers in the world. In 2025, the company recorded beer sales of 7.648 million kilolitres, operating revenue of approximately €4 billion, and net profit attributable to shareholders of approximately €574 million. Tsingtao products are sold in more than 120 countries and regions worldwide.
Great Northern Distillery is one of Ireland’s largest distilling groups, operating two modern distilleries on a 5.5-hectare site in Dundalk, County Louth. The facilities have an annual production capacity of 8 million litres in pot stills and 12 million litres in column stills.
The company is independently owned, 100% Irish-owned and controlled by the extended Teeling family.
Established in 2014 by John Teeling, Jim Finn and David Hynes, pioneers of the modern Irish whiskey renaissance, Great Northern Distillery produces the full range of Irish whiskey styles for customers in more than 60 countries worldwide.
GND agrees long-term agreement with Tsingtao Brewery
Great Northern Distillery (“GND”), one of Ireland’s largest independent whiskey producers, has signed a long-term cooperation agreement with Tsingtao Brewery, one of China’s leading beverage companies.
The agreement, finalised in Dublin on 30 July 2026, represents a significant milestone in Great Northern Distillery’s expansion into the Chinese market and creates an important new platform for the growth of Irish whiskey across Asia.
Tsingtao plans to introduce a range of Irish whiskeys through its extensive distribution network.
GND will enter into a long-term supply agreement under which it will provide mature Irish whiskeys across its full portfolio, ranging from 3-year-old to 21-year-old expressions.
The two companies will also collaborate to develop a range of whiskey labels specifically designed for Asian consumers. A specialist blending team has been established to create whiskey styles tailored to Chinese tastes and consumer preferences.
As part of the cooperation agreement, Great Northern Distillery will also provide technical expertise and support to Tsingtao Brewery as it develops its own Chinese whiskey distillery.
A Strategic Partnership
Tsingtao Brewery operates one of the strongest beverage distribution networks in China. The cooperation with Great Northern Distillery provides an exceptional platform for the development, distribution and promotion of Irish whiskey throughout one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Founded in 1903, Tsingtao Brewery is one of China’s most recognised and internationally respected beverage companies. It ranks as one of the largest beer producers in the world. In 2025, the company recorded beer sales of 7.648 million kilolitres, operating revenue of approximately €4 billion, and net profit attributable to shareholders of approximately €574 million. Tsingtao products are sold in more than 120 countries and regions worldwide.
Great Northern Distillery is one of Ireland’s largest distilling groups, operating two modern distilleries on a 5.5-hectare site in Dundalk, County Louth. The facilities have an annual production capacity of 8 million litres in pot stills and 12 million litres in column stills.
The company is independently owned, 100% Irish-owned and controlled by the extended Teeling family.
Established in 2014 by John Teeling, Jim Finn and David Hynes, pioneers of the modern Irish whiskey renaissance, Great Northern Distillery produces the full range of Irish whiskey styles for customers in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Jerry Buttimer T. D., Minister of State for Community Development, Charities and Rural Transport, commented:
“On behalf of the Government, I warmly welcome this landmark agreement between Great Northern Distillery and Tsingtao Brewery, which is a strong example of the opportunities that exist when Irish and Chinese businesses work together.
The Irish Government is committed to developing sustainable trade and investment links with China, and partnerships like this help strengthen our economic relationship while creating new opportunities for both countries.
I also want to pay particular tribute to Ireland’s Ambassador to China, Nicholas O’Brien, and the Embassy team in Beijing, whose dedication and hard work continue to build the relationships that make agreements like this possible.”
John Teeling, Chairman of Great Northern Distillery, commented:
“This agreement represents a tremendous opportunity to participate in what I believe will be the next great growth market for Irish whiskey.
Over the coming years, perhaps one billion people across Asia will join the middle class. As incomes rise, consumers increasingly seek premium international products and experiences, and Irish whiskey is exceptionally well placed to meet that demand.
Equally important is taste. Irish whiskey’s smooth, mellow and slightly sweeter character makes it particularly well suited to Asian consumers. However, great products require great distribution.
There can be no better partner than Tsingtao Brewery. Its distribution network reaches every region of China and continues to expand internationally.
It has taken considerable commitment from many people to reach this point, and I believe the future for this partnership is extremely bright.”
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