Diageo’s post-lockdown tonic

DIAGEO’S sales shot up nearly 16 per cent to £7.9billion as people stocked up on premium spirits and bars replenished after lockdowns.

The Johnnie Walker owner said its first-half pre-tax profits rose from £2.2billion to £2.7billion.

Some £4.5billion is being returned to shareholders a year early by June 2024. “We made a strong start to the year,” said Ivan Menezes, Diageo chief executive.

Elsewhere, revenues at drink mixer brand Fever-Tree grew 23 per cent last year to £311.1million due to strong US and European growth.