Rising sales of core spirit brands have helped drinks giant Allied Domecq report a rise in annual profits.
The owner of Courvoisier cognac and Beefeater gin said full-year pre-tax profits before exceptional items rose 6% to £521m ($942.6m).
Strong US sales helped to offset tougher trading in markets such as South Korea, France and Germany.
Sales volumes of core spirits brands rose by 8%, with Malibu and Sauza among its fastest-growing products.
ALLIED DOMECQ BRANDS
The firm said it had continued to grow its market share in the US, with volumes up by 5%.
In Europe, the company saw sales recover in Spain, and reported a good performance in the UK and Central and Eastern Europe.
However, the firm encountered "tougher trading conditions" in France and Germany where slower economic growth hit consumer spending.
Its quick-service restaurants business - which includes Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlours - had an "excellent" year, Allied Domecq said, with profits up 21% at £86m.
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