Sales of Jameson and Bushmills whiskey have contributed to a strong increase in first-quarter sales at Pernod Ricard, according to figures from the French drinks group.

In the first quarter, volumes of Bushmills grew by 30 per cent, making the whiskey Pernod's best-performing brand in the period. In the year to the end of March, Bushmills sales actually fell 1 per cent and this emphasises the extent of the sales recovery in the first quarter. First-quarter volumes of Jameson were up 18 per cent, bringing the growth in sales for the year to March to 10 per cent.

Sales in the first quarter grew by €67.5 million (£53.1 million) to €985.3 million, with wine and spirits sales up 13.8 per cent to €368.5 million. Sales at the BWG distribution subsidiary, which is currently for sale, were up more than 19 per cent on €315.3 million.