Irish whiskey maker Irish Distillers has reported a 1% decline in value growth for the year to the end of June, as Covid-19 restrictions suppressed growth in the second half of the year.
But despite the outbreak of the coronavirus, Jameson Whiskey recorded solid growth in key markets including South Africa, Russia, the UK and Ireland.
It also saw strong growth of 17% in Australia and 30% in Germany during the year.
Irish Distillers said that the brand continued to attract new consumers in key emerging markets with double or triple-digit growth achieved in Nigeria (up 163%), China (up 48%), India (up 25%) and Japan (up 16%).
Within the broader Jameson family, Jameson Black Barrel posted growth of 16% globally, it added.
The company also reported growth across its super premium whiskeys, led by Redbreast with sales up by 14% and Midleton sales increasing by 15%.
"Interest in our single pot still range has been growing year on year, with our portfolio leading the way in establishing the category with knowledgeable whiskey drinkers globally," the company added.
Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers, said the company had a very strong start to the financial year, with sales of Jameson Irish whiskey growing by 9% in the first half of the year.
He noted that the brand had its busiest December ever, selling 940,000 cases globally.
But he added that like many others around the world, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the business.
Mr McQuaid said the company saw growth slow in some markets, but the likes of global travel retail came to a relative halt in the second half of the year.
"However, despite that, Jameson achieved growth in over 50 markets, including key markets like South Africa, Russia, the UK and Ireland, and experienced solid growth in emerging markets including Nigeria and China," he added.
"There is no doubt that this is a challenging business environment, however, we know from history that the Irish whiskey industry has proven itself to be very resilient," the Irish Distillers CEO said.
"Having experienced a remarkable decade of export-led growth, we remain confident in Jameson's ability to bounce back and continue its growth trajectory. The priority over the coming months will be the health and safety of our employees as we look to effectively navigate the current environment," he said.
"We continue to be positive about the future and the undoubted better times ahead," he added.
