Jameson remains the world's number one Irish whiskey brand after it recorded a 13% volume growth and 15% value growth in the financial year in 2016/2017.
Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard's iconic brand hit sales of five million cases for the year, while boasting double- and triple-digit growth in over 71 markets across the world, according to results released by the company this morning.
Drinks giant Pernod Ricard posted a 3.6% increase in organic growth for its full year 2017, with sales totalling €9,010 million. Profit from recurring operations was €2,394 million, with organic growth of 3.3% and reported growth of 5% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, Irish Distillers Prestige range, including Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare and the Spot range, experienced 4% volume growth and 5% value growth.
Irish Distillers said that 'innovation in its portfolio has been key to its sustained growth', with recent product launches enjoying continuing success include Jameson Caskmates, which experienced 110% volume growth and 103% value growth during the year, as well as the successful launch of its 'Method And Madness' brand.
Commenting on the performance of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, Jean-Christophe Coutures (pictured), Chairman and CEO said: "Thanks to increased investment and commitment to innovation the international Irish whiskey renaissance is continuing at full speed. Jameson continues its phenomenal growth story, experiencing 28 years of consecutive growth with more than 71 markets across the world achieving double- and triple-digit growth.
"The runaway success of Jameson Caskmates, which was conceived over a chat in a Cork bar between Irish Distillers and local Irish brewery Franciscan Well, is testament to our commitment to innovation. Following a successful pilot test in the Irish market in 2014, Jameson Caskmates experienced 110% volume growth and 103% value sales growth this year. The brand has had exceptional success since its launch, selling almost 200,000 cases into more than 40 markets this year.
"We also launched our exciting new Method And Madness range of experimental super premium whiskeys from Midleton Distillery and our Micro Distillery. The initial release of four expressions pushed the boundaries of Irish whiskey as we know it, with the Single Pot Still finished in French chestnut expression and Single Grain 31-year old expression selling out in a matter of weeks.
"Here at home we’re proud to see our Irish whiskey sales growing due to a combination of increased tourism and 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 and we applaud this."
