Guinness sales rise by five percent in the United States

Diageo reports on positive operating growth

CATHY HAYES,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Saturday, February 11, 2012, 7:59 AM

Updated Saturday, February 11, 2012, 7:59 AM

Larger Text

E-mail

4 Comments

President Barack Obama enjoying a pint of Guinness in Offaly

Photo by Google Images

Guinness sales in the US rose by five percent in the last six months, with the majority of growth occurring in emerging markets, as trading in Ireland and Europe remained stagnant.

The global drinks giant who own Guinness, Baileys and Bushmills said sales of the Irish stout climbed overall as sales in Western Europe fell by two percent.
__________

Top ten facts about Guinness - PHOTOS & VIDEOS

The Queen turns down a free pint of Guinness - VIDEO & PHOTOS

__________

In Ireland, the overall drinks market declined by two percent in the six months leading up to December 31. Diageo reports Guinness maintained their 32 percent share of the beer market, continuing to be the most popular pint on offer.

Net sales were flat in Europe as Diageo focus more on Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, where sales now account for 40 percent of the business.

In response to the figures, Chief executive Paul Walsh said: ''We are cautious as to the consumer and economic trends we will face in 2012 but these first half results have positioned us well and they have demonstrated that Diageo has the brands, the routes to market and the people to deliver our medium term guidance."