Baileys is the No 1 liqueur in the world
Results 2007
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7.4 million 9-litre cases
-
7% volume growth
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10% net sales growth
Top five markets
- United States
- Great Britain
- Global Travel
- Spain
- Germany
How we produce Baileys
Baileys is the result of a remarkable recipe combining the finest ingredients with just the right amount of Celtic charm. Although the exact recipe is top secret, it is worth explaining a bit about how it is created.
First, it starts with dairy cream. Only Irish milk from 1,500 specially selected and accredited farms is used. This milk
comes from 40,000 cows, fed a diet of four different types of grass. Their cream is delivered daily in insulated tankers and processed within 36 hours of the milking process.
Next, the cream is blended with triple distilled Irish whiskey, using a special technique that results in the cream being preserved using whiskey alone. Baileys has inspired many imitators, although none has mastered the unique recipe, which sets this sensorial drink apart.
Finally, the chocolate flavours, a combination of cocoa nibs and vanilla pods, sugar and caramel are added. The result is a truly memorable drink.
The history behind Baileys
|
1971 |
A committee of senior managers in Gilbeys of Ireland had the idea for a uniquely Irish drink reflecting Ireland’s heritage and unparalleled agricultural and distilling traditions. |
|
1972 |
While the product concept was relatively simple and manageable, the chemistry proved to be a very difficult issue to resolve as whiskey and cream do not mix naturally. |
|
1973 |
The recipe was perfected and the difficulties associated with bulk production and shelf life were ascertained. |
|
1974 |
Baileys was launched. |
|
1979 |
Sales grew rapidly, one million cases were sold around the world, and another 700,000 cases were added to this over the next five years. |
|
1980s |
Consumers started to drink Baileys over ice which created more drinking occasions for Baileys to be enjoyed. |
|
1990s |
Baileys became the single most successful new spirit to be introduced anywhere in the world in the last 30 years. |
|
2002 |
Baileys Minis launched. |
|
2005 |
Today Baileys is the only cream liquer with a shelf life of 24 months. |
Did you know?
- Within its first five years of sales, Baileys grew to one million cases annually, adding nearly another million during the next five years.
- The brand has grown continuously over the past six years and accounts for 55 per cent of all spirits exported from Ireland.
- In 2006, Baileys launched two new flavours: Hint of Mint and Hint of Crème Caramel, offering new taste sensations
to the well-known original.
- 2,260 glasses of Baileys are enjoyed every minute.
- 275 million litres of fresh Irish milk are used annually to produce Baileys.
Brand variants
In 1973 Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur was introduced. The 1980s and 1990s saw Baileys enjoyed over ice and Baileys Minis launched in 2002. In 2006, two new flavours were introduced: Hint of Crème Caramel and Hint of Mint Chocolate. Today, Baileys is sold in around 130 countries.