Guinness owner Diageo has reiterated that it expects to report underlying growth of 8% in operating profits for the year to the end of June.
The company said a strong performance in its North American and international divisions in the first six months of its financial year had continued.
Diageo said sales growth in Europe and Asia Pacific improved in the second half as the company increased its marketing spending in these areas.
It said the main factor in strong sales was the growth in its Scotch brands across the world.
Earlier this month, Diageo confirmed that it had begun an assessment of its brewing operations in Dublin, Dundalk and Kilkenny, but it said reports that the brewing facilities could move from St James's Gate are 'speculation'.
It said its assessment of operations was at a very early stage and was due to be completed by 2008.
