Belfast-based Drinksology Kirker Greer has expanded its Spiritly Trade digital wholesale platform into Ireland, having previously offered it only in the UK. The platform gives bars, hotels, retailers and speciality operators 24/7 ordering and real-time stock information, adding choice without displacing existing wholesalers.

Spiritly Trade focuses on the on-trade premium and super-premium spirits market, providing access to more than 5,000 globally sourced spirits. It has partnered with top hotels, restaurants and cocktail bars across the UK and ran a pre-launch trial in 20 Irish outlets.

The structural driver is Ireland's maturing premium drinks and cocktail culture, in which niche, premium and luxury brands have flourished over the past decade, particularly in whiskey and gin. The company has identified demand for better access to premium spirits in key cities and among four and five-star hotels, which are expected to form its initial customer base.

"Spiritly Trade is not intended to be another traditional distributor in the Irish market," said Ryan McFarland, chief commercial and strategy officer at Drinksology Kirker Greer. "Our role is complementary to the existing wholesale network. Ireland already has a strong and sophisticated drinks trade; we want to add another layer of choice and specialist support, particularly for customers operating at the premium end of the market."

This autumn the company will introduce Spiritly Academy, a digital training platform covering production, provenance, tasting and serving techniques. "Education is central to how we want to work with the trade," added McFarland.

Stephen Meldrum, general manager at Dunluce Lodge on the Causeway Coast, said the team brings a collaborative approach. "Their team takes the time to understand what we are trying to achieve and provides in-depth training, brand advocacy and practical support that helps us get the most from the products we stock and enhance our guest experience."

Drinksology Kirker Greer is a Belfast-headquartered group combining the Kirker Greer Spirits brand portfolio, the Spiritly e-commerce and logistics unit and the Drinksology Creative design studio. It raised €7.7 million from Whiterock's Growth Capital Fund in September 2025 to support global expansion.

For the sector, the expansion reflects digital-first wholesale models layering 24/7 ordering, live stock visibility and training onto established distribution networks to improve service for premium on-trade customers.

Source: The Spirits Business / Techleap