Irish Distillers Results Year ending 30 June 2019
- Jameson is the No. 1 Irish whiskey in the world with sales of 7.7 million cases and volume growth +6%
Irish Distillers prestige range experienced +25% volume growth, led by Redbreast (+24%) and Spot range (+40%)
Thursday, 29th of August 2019: Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys and Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines, experienced another strong financial year in 2018/2019, accelerated by the continued growth of Jameson Irish whiskey which is now in double or triple-digit growth in more than 70 markets across the world. Jameson, one of Ireland’s most recognised brands worldwide, continues to spearhead the renaissance of the Irish whiskey category with the brand achieving its 30th year of consecutive growth, selling 7.7 million cases in 2018/19, up from 7.3million cases compared to last year.
This year, Jameson entered the top 10 of IMPACT magazine’s annual ‘Top 100 Premium Spirits Brands Worldwide’ list for the first time ever. In the US the Irish whiskey category sold 4.5m 9L cases in 2018, with sales of Jameson representing 78 per cent of total Irish whiskey sales. Additionally, sales of Jameson Black Barrel grew by 22 per cent in the US, making it the first super-premium Irish whiskey brand to reach 100 thousand cases. Jameson continues to perform well in emerging markets, up 23 per cent, with Nigeria (+141%), India (+55%), Mexico (+20%) and Brazil (+13%) all recording high levels of growth. The Jameson family also saw sales increase by 12 per cent in Eastern Europe, driven by the Ukrainian (+24%) and Russian (+7%) markets.
Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO, said:
“We are immensely proud of the strong performance of our full portfolio of Irish whiskeys. As these results show, we continue to develop our historically strong markets while penetrating new markets for Irish whiskey. Jameson is quickly becoming a truly global brand. Additionally, our dedication to innovation continues to be important as we drive sales across our portfolio, solidifying our position as makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed Irish whiskeys. “Global growth of our prestige range (+25%), led by Redbreast (+24%) and the Spot range (+40%), reflects the increase in consumer appetite for premium and super-premium Irish whiskeys. The growth of Jameson Black Barrel (+22%), Redbreast (+20%) and the Spot range (+61%) in the US is a clear testament to this.
“Our largest markets continue to be the USA, South Africa and Russia, followed by Ireland and the UK. However, it is hugely encouraging to see such strong growth in markets such as Canada (+15%) and in emerging markets such as Nigeria, India, Mexico and Brazil. “Irish Distillers’ global travel retail sales increased by nine per cent last year and we expect growth to continue this year following the exclusive launch of the Jameson Triple Triple to the travel retail market. “In addition, consumers reacted positively to new innovations in FY19, with the successful launch of Method and Madness Micro Distilled Gin and Red Spot, which sold out completely.” “The Republic of Ireland spirits market generated volume growth of +2 per cent. Against this backdrop, our premium spirits brands have recorded strong net sales growth during 2018/19: Jameson (+6%), prestige Irish whiskeys (+26%).”
