Diageo ‘committed to Irish market’

Global drinks giant Diageo is committed to its Irish operations, despite seeing continued “tough market conditions” here, as Guinness maintains its 32% market share.

The London-headquartered group — which owns iconic Irish brands such as Guinness, Baileys and Bushmills — yesterday reported first half net sales of £6.04 billion (€7.05bn); 5% up on a year-on-year basis, but marginally below analyst estimates.

Group operating profit, for the six months to the end of December, amounted to £2.04bn, up 11% on the corresponding period in the previous year.