Guinness sales stay steady

Guinness bosses hope sales will surge during the recession and it will grab a bigger chunk of the sluggish Irish beer market.

Sales grew by 2.3% in Ireland in the 12 months up to last June despite a tumble of 7% the previous year.

The brand, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, is still on a quest to create “the perfect pint”.

Head of Marketing Tanya Clarke said she believes Guinness can come out of the recession even stronger because it tries harder to respond to consumer needs.

“I think the economic situation has forced consumers to re-evaluate everything on a value-for-money basis,” she explained.

“Consumers want brands who offer quality and heritage. On a global scale we are aware of the challenges but beer tends to remain relatively stable in a recession.

“It’s regarded as an everyday product in a way, rather than as a discretionary luxury item.”

Last year one billion pints of the black stuff were turned out at the St James’ Gate brewery, which was begun by Arthur Guinness in 1759.