Sales of Caffrey's Irish Ale have fallen sharply in Britain over the past year - but not as much as sales of rival products in the premium ale market. Beer-to-hotels combine Bass, brewers of Caffrey's at its Belfast brewery, said yesterday that Caffrey's sales had declined 14.9 per cent during the year to September 30th. However, as this was against the backdrop of a 26 per cent decline in the premium ale sector, Caffrey's has increased its market share significantly. Blame for the sharp setback suffered by premium ales is placed on the continuing trend towards lager. For Caffrey's lower British sales have been partly offset by success in the US following the product's launch there last year. US sales are approximately 100,000 barrels. Financial results published by Bass detail a 4.8 per cent increase in 1998-99 pre-tax profit to £682 million sterling (€1.08 billion) before exceptional items. Turnover increased 10.8 per cent to £4.69 billion. Operating profits of Bass brewing, including Caffrey's, rose 6.7 per cent to £160 million on turnover up 3 per cent at £1.84 billion.