E-Malt.com News article: Ireland: Diageo planning to strengthen Irish business

Diageo, which owns brands such as Guinness, Baileys and Bushmills, plans to strengthen Irish business, following a 5% increase in net sales to £6.04bn in the half year to December 2012, DBR reported on February, 1.

The pre-exceptional earnings per share rose by 9% to 60.9p and basic earnings per share rose by 61% to 61.5p for the Irish brands.

Among the Irish brands, Bushmills reported 28% rise in net sales year-on-year, while Guinness recorded 7% rise in net sales.

According to Diageo, the growth of the Irish brands was driven by Latin America, Africa, North America and Asia Pacific, while Europe saw a decline of 2% in net sales of the brands.

In Ireland, the Guinness brand accounted for 32% of Diageo's entire market share, while the spirits division maintained its 36% share.

Diageo Ireland director David Smith told Irish Examiner, "Despite tough market conditions we remain committed to the Irish market and we are investing in supporting pubs and building our brands, including the sponsorship of over 40 Irish sports, music and cultural events."

06 February, 2013