Jameson sales surge as whiskey booms
SALES of Jameson Irish whiskey surpassed four million cases in the second half of last year, with the whiskey brand recording sales growth of 12pc year-on-year.
The whiskey is now experiencing double or triple-digit growth in 80 markets.
Jameson products recorded growth in the United States, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, with particularly strong growth in the Asian and Latin American markets.
In Ireland the overall spirits market remains “challenging” said Irish Distillers, the company behind a number of well-known brands, including Jameson, Powers, Huzzar, and West Coast Cooler.
And the group noted the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill in its update, which it said was creating a “danger” to the global success of Irish whiskey.
Volume growth in the Irish market increased by 3.7pc in the six-month period, outpacing value growth of 3.3pc.
The group’s premium spirits brands recorded strong net sales in Ireland during the six months to December 31, with Powers recording sales growth of 11pc, Prestige Irish whiskeys recording sales growth of 30pc, while premium vodka and gin sales recorded sales growth of 5pc and 29pc respectively.
The group used the trading update to announce the departure of its chairman and CEO Jean-Christophe Coutures.
Mr Coutures leaves his current role to take up a new position as chairman and chief executive of Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard. He is set to be replaced by Conor McQuaid, Executive Vice President of the global business development arm at Pernod Ricard.