Jameson sales values up 8%
IDL’s Chairman and Chief Executive Conor McQuaid commented that Jameson’s growth story continues across the portfolio, but particularly at the higher end categories of Irish whiskey, adding that Jameson is now in double- or triple-digit growth in more than 70 markets globally.
At the Super Premium end Jameson Black Barrel sales volumes were up 26% in the six months to the end of December 2018.
The Jameson brand is growing value (up 8%) ahead of volume (up 6%) with all regions contributing to this success, he said.
Standout regions from where he expects future growth to come include Sub-Saharan Africa which saw 40% growth (excluding South Africa) and Asia, where India saw 50% growth.
The Single Pot Still sector is thriving as Redbreast continues to increase sales, with value growth of 20% and the Spot range growing by 43%.
“Redbreast is the most-awarded Single Pot Still whiskey in the world and its high regard is reflected in these fantastic growth figures.,” commented Conor, “We hope to see further growth in the Spot range following the global release of Red Spot in November 2018.”
Irish Distillers has released over 10 new single pot still Irish whiskeys since May 2011.
“The growth of our Method and Madness range (up 12%) reflects the increasing appetite for innovation in the category” he continued, “and this range will continue to grow in the years to come, with the first liquid from our Micro Distillery due to mature later this year. Growth of the prestige range is particularly strong in the Irish market with value growth of 32% and volume growth of 21%. Powers’ growth in Ireland remains steady at 4%.
Parent company Pernod Ricard turned in “very good” H1 results with sales up 5.0% to €5.2 billion (7.8% organic sales).
