Irish Distillers has said sales of Jameson rose by 14% in value and 12% in volume terms during the first half of the year, with the whiskey now in double or triple-digit growth in more than 80 markets across the world.
Jameson sold 7.3 million cases in 2017/18, up from 500,000 cases during the mid-90s. Irish Distillers said Jameson continues to spearhead the renaissance of the Irish whiskey category with the brand reaching its 29th year of consecutive growth.
Irish Distillers CEO sees further growth for Jameson
Sales of Jameson Caskmates reached 300,000 cases in the same period. This was primarily driven by the launch of the latest addition to the range, Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition in the United States, supported by strong performances in duty free and travel retail in Europe as well as growth in South African and Irish markets.
Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers said Irish whiskey is the fastest growing premium spirit in the world. "Sales of Irish whiskey now account for more than one third of all Irish beverage exports, and we are immensely proud of the strong performance of our full portfolio of Irish whiskeys cementing our position as the makers of the world's most enjoyed Irish whiskeys."
Jameson's largest markets continue to be the USA, South Africa and Russia, followed by Ireland and the UK. It is also starting to generate interest in markets such as Nigeria, India and China.
"The Republic of Ireland spirits market generated volume growth of +6.1% and value growth of +4.9%. Against this backdrop, our premium spirits brands have recorded strong net sales growth during 2017/18: Jameson (+9%), prestige Irish whiskeys (+23%)," Mr McQuaid said.
He said growth of Irish whiskey sales in Ireland is in part due to increased interest in Irish whiskey tourism. Jameson Distillery Bow St and Jameson Experience Midleton welcomed over 475,000 from more than 70 countries in the past year.
"The growth of Irish whiskey on the global stage could not have happened without the investment and focus brought by Pernod Ricard. This year, we are celebrating 30 years since joining the Pernod Ricard family and it is no coincidence that Jameson is also nearing 30 years of consecutive growth, experiencing double-and triple-digit growth in 80 markets across the world since gaining access an extensive global distribution network," he said.
