Key Role for Northern Ireland in Growth of Baileys Original

Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur increased net sales by six per cent in the first half of last year and was mainly driven by growth in GreatBritain and the United States. Seventy per cent of the production of the original variety is made in Northern Ireland. In Britain, net sales were up 14 per cent supported by increased media, sampling and in-outlet visibility and promotions during the holiday season. In the US the growth was driven by the launch of Baileys Espresso Cr?me. Baileys is the number one selling liqueur in the world and a real Irish success story. Launched in 1974, it is exclusively produced and bottled in Ireland and sold in over 160 markets. The cream liqueur is a unique blend of fresh Irish dairy cream, finest spirits, Irish whiskey, sugar and chocolate flavour. The process of blending the cream with the whiskey, sugar and chocolate produces the authentic taste of Baileys which is enjoyed the world over. Over 40,000 dairy cows produce the daily cream requirement, a major supplier of cream being LacPatrick Dairy's Coleraine factory. The majority of the Baileys premium-quality ingredients and packaging are sourced in Ireland. It is also completely natural and does not require preservatives. Overall, Diageo posted a pickup in sales for the first half of its financial year, as strong Guinness sales during the Rugby World Cup helped boost the drinks giant. UK sales of the 'black stuff' were up four per cent, while overall beer sales rose three per cent in the six months to December 31. Across the group Diageo also reported a better than expected 1.8 per cent rise in organic net sales and volumes edged up one per cent. The weak pound damaged its first half profits and as a result net sales were reduced by ?400 million and operating profit by ?156 million to ?1.7 billion as it also felt the impact of disposals. A breakdown of the interim results showed that all six of the company's biggest brands, including Johnnie Walker whisky, Baileys liqueur and Tanqueray gin, returned to growth. The company's luxury spirits business, which includes its premium spirits like Ciroc vodka and Haig Club whisky, saw sales in the UK rise by nearly a third.