Guinness sales down as alcohol intake falls

SALES of Guinness and Baileys in Ireland were hit hard by the general downturn in alcohol consumption in its first half-year’s trading, which includes the Christmas period.

Part of the multinational drinks group Diageo, both Guinness and Baileys reported a drop in volume sales of 7% and 17% respectively in the six months to December 31, 2003.

The group has reacted recently by adding 4.5% to the cost of its draught beers, despite growing consumer unease with the cost of alcohol in Ireland.