Spirits market up 3%
On-trade spirits sales grew by over 2% in volume, “driven by city centre accounts across the country performing well,” according to IDL Pernod Ricard in a statement which added, “This is due to strong tourist trade and a growing interest in cocktails and Irish whiskeys by domestic consumers”.
The Group’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys performed well in the Irish spirits market claiming an 83% market share with Jameson up 8% in value.
Globally, Jameson whiskey grew sales for the 27th year in a row with volume up 12% to 5.7 million cases and value up 16% in the 12 months to June 30th.
The brand is now sold in over 130 markets worldwide.
“We have seen the global Irish whiskey renaissance continue with gusto, led by the category defining Jameson which is seeing double- and triple-digit growth in over 60 markets across the world,” commented IDL Pernod Ricard Chairman and Chief Executive Jean-Christophe Coutures, “Here at home we’re proud to see our Irish whiskey sales growing due to a combination of increased tourism and also a growth in the cocktail market. Ireland’s emerging appreciation for cocktails is seeing our products mixed creatively by Ireland’s bartenders to serve up something new and different for consumers.
“However, despite the overall global success of our brands, the domestic market continues to pose challenges,” he continued, “Ireland has the third-highest excise rates on spirits in Europe. It is damaging to our reputation that an American tourist can buy a bottle of Jameson in the US for almost half the price of the same bottle in Ireland, the home of Irish whiskey.”
Jameson has been a key driver for Pernod Ricard Group’s overall performance with the US, which represents close to one-quarter of all Jameson sales, showing growth of over 23%.
Globally, Pernod Ricard reported organic volume growth of 2% (1% reported) to €8.68 billion.
The Old Jameson Distillery closes today for an €11 million redevelopment and will reopen in March 2017.
