Worldwide sales of Jameson Irish Whiskey grew by 15% last year, with parent group Pernod Ricard enjoying a record performance from its portfolio of premium brands.

FRENCH spirits groups Pernod Ricard and Remy Cointreau beat forecasts yesterday as strong Asian demand and a recovering US market lifted their quarterly sales while Pernod sounded a cautious note amid a fragile economic climate.

Scotland: French spirits giant Pernod Ricard expects booming Asian and Latin American markets will drive near- term growth as there were positive signs of recovery in the drinks market, chief executive Pierre Pringuet said.

JAMESON whiskey was one of the star performers for drinks giant, Pernod Ricard in the first three months of the year with sales surging 11% in value.

French drinks giant Pernod Ricard today agreed a £4.6bn (€5.7bn) deal to buy Absolut vodka maker Vin & Sprit.