Guinness owner Diageo sees lockdown sink Irish sales

The company – which also owns Johnnie Walker whisky, Tanqueray gin, Captain Morgan rum and Smirnoff vodka - reported a better-than-expected rise in full-year organic net sales.

Guinness sales have been rocked by Covid restrictions imposed on the hospitality sector in both Ireland and the UK.

Guinness and Baileys owner Diageo has reported a 23% slump in overall annual sales in Ireland due to the negative impact of Covid restrictions on the hospitality sector.

The global drinks giant said its business in Ireland declined “significantly” over the course of the 12 months to the end of June due to the “severe” restrictions imposed on the on-trade here. Diageo would be heavily reliant on sales – particularly through Guinness – from the pub and bar sector here.