Name: Orla Kenny
Occupation & Company: Import Director, J & C Kenny Ltd
Tell us about your current role
My current role is ever-evolving really!! I look after the sourcing and selection of all our wines for both our On and Off trade portfolios which involves travelling to major wine fairs and vineyards across Europe and further afield.
I also look after Dublin in a sales capacity, a role which I inherited during Covid when our Dublin rep took retirement. I am in Dublin now 1-2 days a week and I have been lucky enough to work with a lovely group of customers both On and Off trade with our wines and spirits.
How did you first get into the drinks industry?
As with all family business all three of us girls were involved from a very young age, the company was originally run from the family home so we would often help out picking orders or taking in deliveries in those early days. Our Sunday drives as a family would really be my father driving around scoping out new potential routes but would usually end with an ice cream so we were always happy!
I actually studied Law for my degree and then spent 2 years working and travelling in Australia after I finished my L.L.B. On my return to Ireland in 2008, the country was in the midst of a recession so my Father asked me to come and work for him in the family business until things picked up in the Law sector for Apprentices and I am still here all these years later!
What is your favourite part about working in the industry?
My favourite part is 100% the people you meet. As we deal with small family-owned wineries we have made the most amazing friends and met the most incredible people over the years many of whom have shared a meal at our family kitchen table, and us at theirs. I have also loved building up my own relationship with customers in Dublin and all over the country, some of whom have been dealing with J & C Kenny since the very beginning in 1979 and have fabulous stories about my Father starting out with just a van and a loyal Jack Russel as his security.
We’re meeting up for a drink after work – what are you having?
I’d have to say a lovely glass of wine for this one, white in the Summer and Red in the Winter!
You can only have one drink for the rest of your life, what’s in your glass?
A really good Sauvignon Blanc from J De Villebois in the Loire Valley.
It’s Saturday night, what restaurant are you going to?
Oscars in Galway is a must for fish and beautiful West of Ireland seafood dishes
Is there a bucket list drink you want to try, or a dream drink destination you’d love to visit?
I would love to take my husband to Mendoza, I completely fell in love with the region and the country over 10 years ago and have promised my husband a trip ever since then.
What is the most memorable experience of your career?
I think the fact that I get to work so closely with my family, and especially my father, is the most memorable part of my career. There are days when it can be trying (!!) but it’s such a pleasure to travel with him and feel the passion for what he does, and what himself and my mother have created from nothing, now take us halfway around the world on sometimes crazy adventures.
One thing you’d like to see more of in the drinks industry?
I would love to see more women in the drinks industry as a whole, whether importers, sales representatives or winemakers.
Any particular women you admire in the industry?
I really admire my Mum, Carmel Kenny. She founded the business with my father, Jackie in 1979, in November, when everyone in Ireland gave up drink, and it was in a recession! She gave up a job in teaching to begin J & C Kenny and managed to run the office of a fledgling company from her home, all while doing homework, school runs and raising 3 girls. Mum is still involved today 44 years later.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in the industry?
My advise would be to have a deep understanding of your products and a passion for sharing your knowledge. Customer Service is key, cultivate strong relationships with your customers. This personalized touch creates a sense of trust and loyalty.
Keep up with the latest news from J&C Kenny at www.jckenny.ie and at the links below.
WINE SPIRIT WOMEN 
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