06.01.2011 - Vinexpo news selection
Diageo is looking to double its sales in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) over the next five years as part of a focus on new emerging markets.
The world’s biggest drinks group said liquor sales in the MENA region grew 16% this year, with Gulf Arab countries contributing 44% of the sales.
Diageo, whose brands include Smirnoff vodka, Captain Morgan rum and Gordon's gin, is eyeing new core markets like Abu Dhabi where newly opened hotels and resorts have been boosting sales, with year-on-year sales growth of 28%, according to the company.
Hugo Mills, general manager for the Gulf region said Abu Dhabi "will be a core market for us within the next 8-10 years".
Ewing also pointed to Qatar's successful bid to host the soccer World Cup in 2022 as an opportunity to boost liquor sales in the region, where alcohol sales are usually restricted to ex-pat communities. (The Drinks Business / 15 December 2010)