Net sales of Guinness in Ireland fall by 5%

Net sales of Guinness in Ireland fell by 5% in the past 12 months but, due to an overall contraction in the beer sector, the brand maintained its healthy market share.

Parent company, Diageo, yesterday reported a 5% increase in annual net sales for the 12 months to the end of June to £11.43bn (€13bn); with operating profits rising by 10% to £3.53bn.

Western Europe — including Ireland — suffered “another very tough year”, with net sales declining by 11%.

On a global basis, Guinness grew net sales by 1% — driven by Africa, now its largest single market.

In Western Europe, as a whole, net sales of the stout were down by 3%. The 5% drop in Ireland, however, didn’t alter its 33% share of the Irish beer market, which means that one in every three pints consumed in a pub, here, is still Guinness.

Diageo’s other Irish brands also fared well, globally — net sales of Bushmills whiskey growing by 12% and Bailey’s rising by 2%.

Although noting a tough year for the Irish drinks industry, David Smith — Diageo Ireland’s country manager — said that the company’s Irish operations are still playing a key role on a global basis.