Our history

Diageo was founded in 1997, but our brands date back far earlier – some as far back as the 17th century.

While we honour the past, we are passionate about nurturing categories old and new, and building authentically crafted, culturally relevant brands.

To develop and grow a brand requires creativity, belief and determination.

Guinness gate

1627 - 1864

Making history since the 17th century

1627 – The Story Begins

1627

The story begins

The first record of the Haig family — the oldest family of Scotch whisky distillers.

1759 – Close Up Of A Painting Of Arthur Guinness

1759

Arthur Guinness’ 9,000-year lease

Arthur Guinness signs a 9,000-year lease on a disused property at St. James’s Gate, Dublin, and starts to brew ale.

1820 – Close Up Of A Painting Of John Walker

1820

John Walker’s genius for Whisky

John Walker opens a grocery business in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and starts blending whiskies — with great success.

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1939 - 2001

1939 – Close Up Of Orginal Crown Royal Bottle Of Whiskey

1939

A royal celebration

Crown Royal is created to celebrate the historic visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Canada.

1974 – Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur Launches, Widely Regarded As The Industry’S Most Successful New Product Launch Ever

1974

Baileys makes a splash

Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur launches, widely regarded as the industry’s most successful new product launch ever.

1997 – Diageo Is Founded

1997

A new company is born

Diageo is formed through the merger of Grand Metropolitan and Guinness.

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2008 - 2022

2008 – Drinkiq (1)

2008

Diageo launches DRINKiQ

Diageo launches DRINKiQ to help consumers make more informed choices about drinking, including the decision not to drink.

2013 – Diageo Acquires A Stake In United Spirits Limited (1)

2013

Diageo acquires stake in United Spirits Limited

Diageo completes the first stage acquisition of United Spirits Limited, becoming the major shareholder in India’s leading spirits company.

2019 – Promo Shot Of Seedlip Bottle

2013

Diageo partners on innovation

Diageo partners with Distill Ventures, an accelerator programme that offers alcohol entrepreneurs a route to cash investment, mentoring and access to expertise and funding.

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The Archive

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