Diageo boosted by thirst for Baileys

Brits may have drunk less Guinness last year, but their penchant for Baileys helped drinks maker Diageo to reveal better-than-expected sales growth.

The FTSE 100 firm said the Irish Cream maker performed well in October’s London Cocktail Week, and more than 2000 Baileys’ hot chocolates were sold in the first week of Edinburgh’s Christmas market.

Through the world, Scotch traded strongly. That helped to offset flat UK sales of Guinness in the half year to December 31. The stout brand was boosted by the Rugby World Cup a year earlier.

Diageo, advertised by David Beckham for Haig, said pre-tax profit rose to £2.1 billion from £1.8 billion, and sales rose 4.4% — up on analysts’ estimates of 3.4%. Shares were up more than 100p to 2241.11p.

Meanwhile, brewer Fuller’s said sales at pubs and hotels open more than a year rose 3.7% in the 43 weeks to January 21. Boss Simon Emeny said fewer Brits seemed to be having a dry January this year.