- Diageo reported an unexpected one per cent rise in organic net sales growth
- Firm experienced strong growth in North America, where sales rose 12.3%
- Don Julio and Casamigos tequilas were among company’s strongest performers
Drinks giant Diageo today revealed coronavirus lockdown has driven a demand for higher-end spirits as customers begin to create their own cocktails at home.
The global firm beat analysts forecasts to report a one per cent rise in organic net sales for the six months to December, despite the impact of the pandemic.
In the UK, net sales grew two per cent, with sales in supermarkets and off-licences offsetting the fall from pub closures during long periods.
Beer sales were hardest hit – primarily driven by Guinness pumps not being pulled as British pubs faced restrictions and lockdowns.
Bosses said the famous stout did however see a surge in off-licence sales, with cans of Guinness draft rising 24 per cent during the period globally.
Spirits sold strongly, rising 15 per cent, with ready-mixed cocktails and Baileys also popular – up 8 per cent and 4 per cent respectively.