The chief executive of drinks group Diageo, which owns Guinness, has said trading in the first quarter of its financial year has been in line with expectations.
Paul Walsh told shareholders today that, as a result, the group is still expecting underlying sales growth of 6% in the year to the end of June next year, with underlying operating profits growing by at least 7%.
Mr Walsh said Diageo had gained market share in North America and seen double-digit sales growth in Russia. He said there had been a stronger performance in continental Europe, offset by weaker sales of Guinness in Ireland and Britain.
