Latest news with #GuinnessDraught


Irish Independent
19-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Strong Guinness sales in Europe help Diageo in Q3
Investors were buoyed by the world's biggest spirits maker's plans to cut costs and its expectation that the impact from tariffs won't be as bad has previously anticipated. Diageo chief executive Debra Crew said the group is introducing a programme called 'Accelerate', designed to cut costs, delivery enhanced cash flow and improve its operating model. The group plans to save $500m (€444m) in costs by 2028 following years of sales declines. The new programme will be backed by 'appropriate and selective disposals' in coming years, according to Diageo. The drinks maker shot down speculation earlier this year that it was poised to sell the iconic Guinness brand. It had been reported that Diageo exploring a potential spin-off or sale of Guinness, in what would be the biggest corporate change for the Irish beer brand since it was merged with Grand Metropolitan in 1997. Overall third-quarter organic net sales at Diageo, which also owns brands including Johnnie Walker, Captain Morgan and Gordon's, rose 5.9pc, with organic volume up 2.8pc and sales mix and pricing accounting for 3.1 percentage points of the rise. In Europe, organic net sales were flat. 'Organic net sales were broadly flat with performance overall supported by continued strong momentum in Guinness, offset by further softness in spirits across key markets,' Diageo noted in a trading update. 'Guinness organic net sales were up double digit in the quarter with continued momentum from both Guinness Draught and Guinness 0.0,' it added. 'Spirits organic net sales declined overall but our continued focus on tequila delivered growth from both Don Julio and Casamigos.' Ms Crew insisted the group's new Accelerate programme will deliver for shareholders. 'This sets out clear near-term cash delivery targets and a disciplined approach to operational excellence and cost efficiency,' she said. 'It will strengthen Diageo by increasing our effectiveness, agility, and resilience. It will also ensure that we are well-positioned to deliver sustainable, consistent performance while maximising shareholder returns, even if current trading conditions persist.' ADVERTISEMENT She said it will help Diageo generate about $3bn in free cash flow a year from its fiscal 2026 year and reduce debt. The spirits industry was already struggling with a sharp drop in sales amid high interest rates and inflation when US president Donald Trump announced sweeping tariff plans that threatened to upend sales further. Diageo said it now expects a $150m annualised hit from the duties, lower than the roughly $200m it had estimated in February, after threats of a 25pc levy affecting Mexican tequila and Canadian whisky did not materialise. Diageo generates around 45pc of sales in the United States from products that must be made in either Mexico or Canada. Currently, it is affected by a 10pc levy on imports from places like Britain and the European Union. It said growth benefited from an acceleration in shipments to North America ahead of the imposition of tariffs, and expects this effect to reverse in the fourth quarter.


Belfast Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
‘We thought it was a wind-up at the start': Limavady bar exudes old world charm with just one modern furnishing – a Game of Thrones door
As Owens' bar looks forward to turning 100 next year, Laura McDaid speaks to its landlord about bottles of the Black Stuff, Game of Thrones and new generations In 1959, Guinness Draught was brewed for the very first time to celebrate the 200-year anniversary of Arthur Guinness signing a 9,000-year lease on St James's Gate Brewery in Dublin. But when it arrived at Owens' bar in Limavady in the early 1960s, the punters were suspicious of this newfangled technology and proprietor Frank Owens eventually told the brewery to take the tap back as no one was ordering it.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
St. Patrick's Day, Comicon and more to celebrate this weekend in GTA
March Break may be winding down but there is still so much going on in and around Toronto, it'll feel like the holidays aren't ready to come to an end. Whether you're donning green and gold and feeling lucky, putting on your favourite costume or something cosplay-inspired, or simply dressed comfortably to do whatever floats your boat, there is plenty to do. Here's what you need to know to make the necessary plans. Celebrate Irish culture, history and heritage with the biggest St. Paddy's Day parade to hit the streets of Toronto. The parade starts at 12 p.m. on Sunday at St. George St. and Bloor St. W. (near the TTC's St. George subway station), heads east on Bloor, turns south on Yonge St. and finishes about 90 minutes later at Dundas St. The parade will mean several road closures and TTC diversions between 8 am. and 2:30 p.m. Note: The staging area at St. George and Bloor Sts. will be closed starting at 8 a.m. while the following closures taking affect around 9 a.m.: St. George St. from Bloor St. W. to College St., Devonshire Pl. from Bloor St. W. to Hoskin Ave., Sussex Ave. from Huron St. to St. George ST., Harbord St. from Huron St. to St. George St., Hoskin Ave. from St. George St. to Queens Park Cres. W. Starting at 12 p.m., Bloor St. W. from St. George St. to Yonge St., then down to Richmond St. will be blocked until at least 2 p.m., though organizers say roads along the parade route will open up as the parade rolls through. While there are tons of St. Patrick's Day festivities to enjoy, including one of Ireland's most electrifying bands, Hermitage Green, featuring The Fogues, taking the stage at TD Music Hall on Friday at 8 p.m., another event you have to gear up for is the city's only large-scale, truly authentic party experience. Featuring multiple DJs, three live bands and entertainment from Irish dancers and fiddlers across multiple rooms, prepare to celebrate whether you're drinking a pint of Guinness Draught or Guinness O Non-Alcoholic. Get green and head to Rebel Toronto at 11 Polson St. on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, click here. Whether it's 5k, 10k or the 1k kid run, participants of all ages and skill levels can join the race, which also features festive Irish music, a meal and a cold one afterwards — and it's all in support of Achilles Canada, a non-profit organization that provides Canadians with various disabilities an opportunity to receive the physical, psychological, and communal benefits of running. This year's races are at Evergreen Brick Works on Sunday at 10 a.m. To register or for more information, click here. Note: Bayview Ave. from Pottery Rd. to River St. and Rosedale Valley Rd. from Park Rd. to Bayview Ave. will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you like a little spice with your sweetness, from s'mores and sugar taffy (as winter winds down) to gourmet sausages and spicy-sweet cocktails, then this immersive food experience is for you. And don't forget about the incredible vendor market for you to peruse as well. Spice up your weekend at Harbourfront Centre's community square and west lawn on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. For packages and more information, click here. International tango superstars and world champions German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi, along with eight world-class tango dancers, perform to the magical music of the one and only composer and bandoneon player, Astor Piazzolla, performed by an internationally renowned tango band in a spectacular live show. If you're ready to be enchanted by the seductive powers of the very best tango dancers in the world, head to the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, click here. Prom and grad season is right around the corner, so why not gear up for those and any other celebration by learning what's on-trend and stylish in formal dresses, suits, makeup and accessories for all of spring's special events. Glow up at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Guest Experience will also be collecting dresses on behalf of Girls Inc. until April 4. For more information, click here. Billy Joel postpones Toronto show to 2026 amid 'medical condition' Sun scribe awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal for Variety Village fundraising Toronto maker of vintage motorcycle-style e-bikes pivots in face of trade war Those who are cheese-obsessed (you know who you are) can not only satisfy their cravings but enjoy an exclusive experience that lets them fully live out their passion for the bold-flavoured snacks. It's all at an unforgettable retreat filled with themed décor, playful activities and so much more. Get your fill of all things Cheez-Its at the Drake Motor Inn in Wellington in Prince Edward County from Friday to March 20. To book the cheesy escape or for more information, click here. Showcasing international short films while celebrating local filmmakers who get the opportunity to thank their casts and crews and meet fans. Prepare to be amazed for a long time at Paradise Theatre until Sunday. For tickets, the schedule and more information, click here. Nothing can prepare your for the spectacle that is the spectacular place to celebrate pop culture, particular in the sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming genres. Get an autograph or a photo with your favourite star, then check out the celebrity panels to get the inside scoop on your favourite movies and TV shows. You can also watch comic arts duel, learn from 'how-to' workshops, take pics with your favourite costumed characters, and shop for unique gifts. Head to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 am. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For tickets, schedules and more information, click here.