Irish Distillers has today reported an 11% rise in sales of Jameson Irish whiskey in the six months to the end of December - the first six months of its financial year.
Sales of Jameson hit 6.4 million cases in the six month period and it remains the fastest growing Irish whiskey in the world.
In the six months to the end of December 2022, Jameson recorded volume growth in key markets including the US (up 8%), South Africa (up 21%), Global Travel Retail (up 43%), Ireland (up 11%), India (up 47%) and Poland, which saw a jump of 66%.
Irish Distillers said its range of whiskeys experienced volume growth of 26% in the first six months of the financial year.
Sales of its Redbreast whiskey rose by 20% after surpassing 100,000 cases in 2022. It saw growth in key markets including the US (up 32%), Ireland (up 7%) and Global Travel Retail, which rose by 22%.
The Spot range of single pot still whiskeys also saw sales grow on the back of a strong performance in the US (up 35%), Ireland (up 50%), Global Travel Retail (up 124%) and Canada (up 119%).
Meanwhile, the Powers Irish Whiskey brand recorded volume growth of 15% compared to last year, on the back of accelerated growth of 68% in the US, which was supported by a new import and distribution agreement with Lafayette Imports.
Nodjame Fouad, Chairman and CEO at Irish Distillers, said today's results demonstrate the strength of the company's portfolio of Irish whiskeys.
"As we look to the next six months of our financial year, we are encouraged by our half year results," she added.
Meanwhile, Irish Distillers owner Pernod Ricard today forecast its annual sales growth to remain dynamic after the company posted forecast-beating first-half profit and sales, helped by price hikes in the Chinese and the US markets.
Pernod, which also owns Martell cognac, Mumm champagne and Absolut vodka, said it planned further price hikes in the second half while it also banked on strong operations to help offset cost pressures amid stubborn inflation.
Pernod, the world's second-biggest spirits group behind Diageo, reported profit from current operations in the six months ended December 31 at €2.423 billion, an organic rise of 12% above analysts' expectations for an 8.2% increase.
Sales at Pernod totalled €7.116 billion in the first half, representing an organic rise of 12%, compared with analysts' expectations for a 9.7% increase.
Pernod Ricard's fiscal year started on July 1.
The strong first-half period reflected a 5% rise in sales in the US, Pernod's top market, with growth driven by strong hikes across its portfolio and new prices planned for the second half.
In China, first-half sales growth stood at 4%, reflecting a strong first quarter with solid demand for Martell cognac during the Mid-Autumn festival but a soft second quarter due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Pernod Ricard, however, said it remained confident on its outlook for China as the country is emerging from its zero-Covid policy and lifting restrictions.
Sales grew 17% in India, reflecting mid-single-digit price hike, notably for Seagram's whiskies and strong demand for its international brands, notably Jameson, the Scotch portfolio and Absolut vodka.
