Diageo said today its 11 per cent rise in operating profits is partly due to the success of its vodka drink Smirnoff Ice.
The drinks giant says sales in Britain during the six months to December 31st improved on the previous year when business was buoyed by pre-millennium celebrations.
It said the continued success of Smirnoff Ice is the driving force of the growth, with volumes and sales of the drink running at three-and-a-half times the level of 1999.
Across the group global turnover is up 4 per cent during the period to £6.84 billion sterling, with operating profits ahead by 11 per cent at £1.23 billion.
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But Diageo says its Burger King restaurants had found the market tougher with operating profits down by £6 million to £99 million.
PA