Asia Pacific

"We had another successful year in Asia Pacific maintaining our leadership position in international spirits and gaining share in all key markets and categories. The emerging markets of Asia grew double digit with South East Asia up 15%, Greater China 13% and India 24%. Uncertainty around the global economy led to further contraction of the whisky market in Korea and weaker consumer confidence in Australia which led to roughly flat net sales in developed Asia Pacific. The price increases we implemented in South East Asia, China and Global Travel Asia drove more than half of our incremental top line, and this together with the premiumisation of our portfolio delivered 6 percentage points of positive price/mix. Scotch remained the growth engine of the region delivering more than 80% of net sales growth and almost half of this growth came from our super deluxe brands. Other reserve brands also performed well, with very strong net sales growth from Zacapa, Ketel One vodka and Cîroc. I am also proud of the performance of Guinness, delivering 12% net sales growth through share gains and strong pricing. We continued to invest in infrastructure, sales execution, innovation and acquisitions, including our increased stake in Shuijingfang in China and Halico in Vietnam, creating a stronger platform for future growth. Despite these investments and as a result of our successful premiumisation strategy and focus on pricing, operating margin improved in the year."

Gilbert Ghostine, president, Diageo Asia Pacific

* Organic equals reported movement for volume.

** Spirits brands excluding ready to drink.