Irish Distillers' parent group Pernod Ricard expects a 7 per cent growth in operating profit this year, before accounting for the impact of exchange rates.
But shareholders were warned that current currency rates, particular the strength of the euro against the dollar, would have a negative impact on performance.
Chairman Mr Patrick Ricard told the annual meeting that a positive start to the year meant Pernod Ricard, also home to Havana Club rum, Chivas Regal scotch and Martell cognac, was reasonably optimistic over the 12 months.
Pernod withstood the effects of a currency squeeze last year to report an 8.1 per cent increase in sales. Net profit climbed 12.3 per cent to €464 million, despite the adverse exchange rate movements, which knocked €83 million off the bottom line.
Mr Ricard said: "It seems reasonable... to forecast, given the good start we have had to the year, growth in our operating profit at least equal to 7 per cent."
Pernod achieved a 5.4 per cent rise in underlying sales - factoring out acquisitions, divestments and currency changes - in the first quarter.
Pernod said the group's 7 per cent growth target would be achieved, while maintaining a high level of advertising and promotional spending. "We will invest a little more than last year in our brands," said Mr Ricard.
Irish Distillers chairman and Pernod Ricard joint managing director, Mr Richard Burrows, was appointed to the board of directors. He succeeded Mr Thierry Jacquillat, whose term of office has expired.
Irish Distillers employs 329 production staff at Midleton, Co Cork, and Bushmills, Co Antrim. Its stable of whiskeys includes Jameson, Powers, Paddy and Bushmills.
