The Bunratty winery in Co Clare that manufactures the mead for medieval banquets in local castles is now exporting its products to Japan.
The Bunratty Mead and Liquor Company Ltd recently broke into the Japanese market after protracted negotiations because of the stringent conditions imposed by the authorities there.
The managing director of Bunratty Mead, Mr Oliver Dillon, told The Irish Times that the mead sells there in off-licences and a chain of supermarkets and Irish pubs. The company also exports to the US and UK.