Guinness owner reports a surprise growth in sales

Analysts had expected a drop of 4.6% in sales

The Guinness owner reported a 1% rise in organic net sales growth for the six months to Dec 30

Drinks giant Diageo reported a surprise rise in underlying net sales growth for the first half of its year, as strong demand at retail stores in the United States made up for weak business at bars and restaurants in Europe.

The Guinness maker said the US accounts for nearly 45% of group profits and has been a bright spot for the world's largest spirits maker during the pandemic, with 80% of its sales coming from retail stores. In the other markets, bars and restaurants make up most of the sales.