Sales of Jameson whiskey grew by 7 per cent although Bushmills sales fell by 10 per cent in the first three quarters of the year, according to the latest results from Pernod Ricard, the parent company of Irish Distillers.

Overall, Pernod turnover grew 24 per cent to €3.1 billion (£3.9 million) in the first nine months, with the wines and spirits business increasing its sales to €1.2 billion. The distribution business - mostly made up of the BWG and Spar operation in Ireland and the south of England - increased sales to €911 million from €641 million , partly due to the consolidation of the Saxtons, Bargain Booze, Rounds and AR Daunt acquisitions but also due to 13 per cent organic growth.