Whiskey producer Irish Distillers has released results for its performance during the six months that ended on December 31, 2018, revealing that Jameson Irish Whiskey saw value growth of 8% and volume growth of 6%.
The African and Asian markets led the way for Jameson growth, with growth of 40% in Sub Saharan Africa and 50% in India.
Meanwhile, Jameson Black Barrel achieved growth of 26% while the resurgence of the Single Pot Still category was led by Redbreast, which saw value growth of 20%, and the Spot range, which grew by 43%.
"The Great Growth Story"
Commenting on the results, Irish Distillers chairman and CEO Conor McQuaid said, "As these results demonstrate, the great growth story continues across the portfolio, but particularly at the higher end categories of Irish whiskey.
"Jameson...is now in double- or triple-digit growth in more than 70 markets across the world. Consumers are appreciating the full Jameson family, particularly our super premium range, as seen by the growth of Jameson Black Barrel (+26%). In the six months to the end of December 2018 we are growing value (+8%) ahead of volume (+6%), with all regions contributing to this success. Standout regions where we expect future growth to come from included Sub-Saharan Africa, which saw 40% growth (excluding South Africa), and Asia, where India saw 50% growth."
Single Pot Still Sector And "Method And Madness" Range
McQuaid added, "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%...We hope to see further growth in the Spot range following the global release of Red Spot in November 2018.
"The growth of our Method and Madness range (+12%) reflects the increasing appetite for innovation in the category, 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%."
© 2018 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
