JAMESON SETS THE PACE WITH 3 MILLION CASES SOLD WORLDWIDE

Jameson further strengthened its position as the world’s leading Irish whiskey, with the announcement today of three million nine litre case sales (MAT)* globally. Growth in the US, Jameson’s largest export market, contributed to the brand’s milestone success, with an impressive one million cases sold.

The announcement reflects recent sales figures which show that Jameson is a consistently strong brand in the global marketplace. Despite the recent economic downturn, sales volume has increased by 9% while value grew by 12%, for year ending June 2010. While US sales grew by 24%, with 49 states in double-digit growth, key markets such as Russia (+8%), South Africa (+7%) and France (+7%) also enjoyed success.

Consumer advocacy has played a significant role in the growth of the brand, due to Jameson’s unrivalled smooth taste as a result of triple distillation and rich authentic heritage. A consistent commercial marketing strategy to build an iconic global spirit brand has reinforced consumer loyalty, with distinctive activity across many markets including two major TV campaigns, a long standing association with film and an integrated digital strategy.

Alex Ricard, CEO, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, commented: “We are delighted with the progress of Jameson globally. Almost 230 years since the Jameson Distillery was founded, this is a huge achievement for the brand, one I am sure John Jameson would have been proud of. As well as our increasingly valuable consumer connection, it is the passion of the people behind the Jameson brand that is one of the greatest reasons for our success. Combine this with the global reach of Pernod Ricard and you have a recipe for global success.”

Notes

* Moving annual total w/e 31st Oct 2010

Irish Distillers
2009/2010 was another highly successful year for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard internationally, with the continued and very positive global development of Jameson. This performance in fiscal year 09/10 confirmed its status as one of the most dynamic whiskey brands in the world, and as one of Pernod Ricard’s fastest growing brands. This sustained progress was achieved despite the challenging economic conditions for many of Jameson’s key markets.

Achievements & Accolades:

Jameson is one of the most consistent and fastest growing international spirit brands in the market

World’s No 1 Irish whiskey in over 100 markets globally in 2009 – IWSR
Listed as No 33 on Impact’s Top 100 Premium Spirit Brands List, February 2010. ‘[Jameson] has been incredibly successful in transcending both category and international boundaries’. 
Listed as one of Impact’s Hot Brands nine years in a row
Impact Blue Chip Brand
IWSR Elite Brands ‘One of the hottest brands in the US market’- IWSR Spirits Review, July 2009
Gold medals for Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve and Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve at the 2010 International Spirits Challenge
A Gold medal for Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve at San Francisco Worlds Spirits Competition 2010
The Power 100 – Intangible Business Ranking May 2010
– 9th Most Powerful Whiskey Brand
– 7th Most Powerful Future Growth Spirit Brand
– 23rd Most Powerful Spirit Brand
 Advertising Age: One of America’s 20 Hottest Brands, across all FMCG categories Nov 2009

In 2010, Jameson was named “Spirits Brand of the Year” in US publication “Market Watch” (Shanken Communications), as voted for by the top 200 retailers in the US.