Irish Distillers, producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has today announced results for the 2020/2021 financial year (ending 30 June 2021).
The results show that, despite a challenging environment, the business experienced a strong financial year, driven by the growth of Jameson in existing, new and emerging markets around the world.
New And Emerging Markets
Jameson, one of Ireland’s most recognised global brands, continued its growth trajectory, selling 8.6 million cases in 2020/2021, up from 7.5 million in the previous year.
In doing so, it cemented its position as one of the top five best-selling international whiskey brands in the world.
In the US, Jameson sold four million cases, representing volume growth of +19%, with sales of Jameson Black Barrel growing by 36% in the US in the same period. Additionally, Jameson recorded solid growth in other key markets, including the UK (+10%), Germany (+30%), Australia (+15%) and Ireland (+6%).
The Jameson brand continues to perform well in emerging markets, with Nigeria (+216%), India (+85%), Brazil (+67%), China (+45%) and Japan (+13) all recording impressive growth. Jameson also saw sales increase in the Polish (+48%), Ukrainian (+43%) and Russian (+19%) markets.
'Incredible Resilience'
Conor McQuaid, chairman and CEO, said that despite the difficult circumstances arising from the global pandemic their portfolio, led by Jameson, had demonstrated "incredible" resilience.
"This was achieved despite the disruption to the hospitality sector in many markets throughout our financial year, coupled with increasing input costs," he said.
Growth Figures
McQuaid noted that the strong growth figures and resilience of Jameson is also the result of the company's "consistent focus on brand building and developing consumer advocacy" over the past 30 years.
"We are confident that our clear, long-term vision and consistent approach will serve to support Jameson’s continued growth in the future, despite any potential uncertainly or other challenges to our business which may arise in the short term," McDaid said.
"Additionally, the global growth of our prestige portfolio comprising Redbreast, the Spot whiskeys, Midleton Very Rare and Method and Madness reflects the increase in consumer appetite for premium and super-premium Irish whiskeys which we will continue to nurture as part of our premiumisation strategy."
Global Travel Retail
And while Global Travel Retail sales were heavily impacted by travel restrictions during the year, McDaid said he is "confident" that the groups sales will "return to pre-pandemic levels, although this may take some time".
"We also appreciate that it continues to be a challenging business environment for the hospitality sector and particularly the on-trade. We will continue to work with and support our partners across Ireland and other global markets as they look towards a full re-opening,” concluded McQuaid.
© 2021 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more Drinks news click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout
