The development of the Jameson, Paddy and Bushmills whiskey brands in their home markets contributed to the growth of almost 10 per cent experienced by Pernod Ricard in the first quarter of 1999, the group has stated.

Pernod Ricard, owners of Irish Distillers, had sales of 4.7 billion French francs (€716 million), with growth in Europe, excluding France, accounting for 52 per cent of sales compared to 48 per cent in the same period in 1998. "The group's distribution business has also seen growth of more than 30 per cent in Ireland and the UK," Pernod Ricard stated.