First Guinness sales rise in six years
The time period represents the first half of parent company Diageo’s financial year, and the group said net sales of Guinness fell by 4% on a global basis when measured on an annualised basis. Weaker performances in other key markets for the stout, such as Nigeria, Britain, and Indonesia, drove sales down, but the product grew in other African markets such as Kenya, where double-digit growth was noticed. Similar gains were noted in South Korea and China.
The period saw Diageo sell one of its Irish brands, Bushmills whiskey, in a $400m deal which saw it strengthen its position in spirits with the takeover of Don Julio tequila, from Jose Cuervo and gain distribution rights for Smirnoff vodka in Mexico.
