INCREASED MARKETING AND INNOVATION BOOSTS DIAGEO

Diageo’s annual profit increased 42%, driven by strong international sales of Johnnie Walker, and new product launches. International sales jumped 13% while volume was up 14%. European sales were flat, however, mainly due to the 8% decline in Guinness volume. Overall, volume was up 5% for North America and net sales increased 7%. Smirnoff vodka, Captain Morgan and Jose Cuervo each delivered double digit growth in net sales, leading spirits to grow 8% while wine was up 7%. Johnny Walker