Irish cream liqueur is among top US spirits

An Irish cream liqueur with strong links to Northern Ireland has been named among the top 10 spirits in the US.

Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur, much of which is produced by Diageo at Newtownabbey in county Antrim, was named fourth in The Spirits Business, the leading international industry magazine and digital site.

Diageo in Northern Ireland produces Baileys Original for sale in over 60 countries worldwide.

The magazine says Baileys popularity could also be attributed to "increased marketing spend and new expressions, including the launch of a strawberries and cream variety in the US during the year.

Earlier this year, Diageo had re-released its dairy-free, gluten-free variant Baileys Almande to grant it "certified vegan status in the US, and meet growing demand from the vegan community.

In Diageo's half-year 2017/18 results, Baileys' growth "accelerated" compared with last year attributed to the launch of a new campaign reminding consumers of its indulgent treat positioning over the Christmas holidays.

A majority of the liqueur made in an ultra-modern plant in Newtownabbey, which opened in 2007 and currently employs around 50 people. The liqueur is now shipped directly to customers in 180 countries, wherever alcohol is legally consumed, and among the fastest growing markets is China.

Baileys, launched in 1997, has become a global success and is now the world's biggest selling cream liqueur.