Continued strong sales momentum for Jameson Irish Whiskey, in key overseas markets, helped international drinks giant Pernod Ricard make a positive start to its current financial year.

Irish whiskey is the world’s fastest growing spirit, though coming from a low base, according to a report by Davy Stockbrokers.

PERNOD RICARD, the world’s second biggest drinks group, has appointed Alexandre Ricard chairman and chief executive of its Irish subsidiary, Irish Distillers.

PERNOD RICARD, owners of the Irish Distillers Group, said the decline in the Irish spirits market has halted and that the sector is recovering after a dreadful 2003.