Diageo records rise in profits - graduate jobs

Graduate students who plan to pursue a career in the beverages industry could consider applying to Diageo, as the drinks giant announced stronger half-year profits in its financial report.

The profits were registered even though the sales of Guinness, the company's stout brand, dropped by 6% across Europe during the period.

Diageo, whose other brands include Smirnoff, Tanqueray, and Johnnie Walker, stepped up its marketing efforts, spending up to £813 million as it focused on the United States and other new markets.

Johnnie Walker, the company's whisky brand, was the biggest driver of the 4% increase in overall sales growth. The product saw its sales rise by 10% as demand in emerging markets soared.

Among the company's other UK products, sales of Baileys jumped 2%, as the brand increased its market share by 3% following a successful advertising campaign called "Let's do this again".

Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh said he expected the firm's profits to soar further at the end of the financial year.

"Momentum is building in our business," he added.