Jameson, the leading Irish whiskey, increased its volume sales by 15 per cent in the domestic market in 1999. This growth, however, was reduced to 1 per cent when duty free sales were taken into account.

The sluggish market was hit by the removal of duty free, according to Mr Richard Burrows, executive chairman, Irish Distillers, the Irish subsidiary of French international group, Pernod Ricard. Duty free sales, he added, fell by 40 per cent, reflecting the performance of duty free stores.

Pernod Ricard's distribution division, BWG, confirmed its ambition to acquire a significant share of the UK market and to consolidate its strong position in Ireland, the French company said in a preliminary statement. The Spar franchise which BWG operates in Ireland and the south-west of England had an increase of 15 per cent in turnover.