Jameson ‘tops for growth rate’

IRISH Distillers’ Jameson whiskey brand is outpacing all its rivals on the world stage in terms of its current growth rate, according to figures published yesterday by the group’s parent.

It is part of French drinks giant Pernod Ricard and has benefited from its extensive global reach for several years.

The performance of Jameson internationally and good wine sales domestically are the good news features from Irish Distillers for the first six months of the year. But recently appointed chief executive, Paul Duffy, said the crippling 42% hike in excise imposed on spirits in the 2002 Budget skewed the market and made beer and other drinks more attractive to the consumer, he said.