Drinks group Pernod Ricard, which owns Irish Distillers, yesterday announced profits after tax were up 1.8 per cent to €83.7 million (£66 million) while group turnover increased by 10.5 per cent to €1.6 billion, for the year to June 30th.

Group sales reached €137 million, a rise of 5 per cent on the same period last year, operational profits were up by 11.4 per cent and profits from the distribution business BWG increased by 30.3 per cent.

Spirit sales rose by 3 per cent internationally, with Jameson performing well in international markets, growing in both volume and market share. The chairman and chief executive of Irish Distillers, Mr Richard Burrows, said: "Irish Distillers continues its strong growth aided by the comprehensive international distribution network of Groupe Pernod Ricard and its strong support for the development of the BWG distribution business which is growing both organically and by acquisition."

In the wine sector, Jacob's Creek international sales grew by 37 per cent with Long Mountain also performing strongly.