Strong growth continues to be achieved by Guinness Ireland Group (GIG), with first-half beer sales up more than 3 per cent in Ireland and exports to overseas soaring as much as 18 per cent, reflecting the global roll-out of the "Irish pub".

Although Guinness Ireland financial figures are not disclosed at the half-way stage, estimates indicate its operating profits rose by around 10 per cent to nearly £70 million making a significant contribution to Guinness Worldwide Brewing's interim results.

Mr Donal O'Reilly, finance and administration director at Guinness Ireland, said the Irish brewing side had performed "very well" in the first half. "Current indications are that the company will meet its targets for the remainder of the year," he said. The Guinness Ireland trading update accompanied interim figures for the Guinness group showing pre-tax profits up 12 per cent at £372 million sterling before £12 million currency adjustments, mainly to reflect sterling's revaluation.

Operating profits earned on brewing activities increased 10 per cent to £130 million sterling before £6 million currency adjustments on turnover, up 7 per cent at £1.12 billion before £73 million currency effects.

Growth in Irish profits partly reflected strong performance by GIG brands, notably Budweiser and Carlsberg achieving growth of 17 and 10 per cent respectively, said Mr O'Reilly. Kilkenny Irish Beer, launched in Ireland two years ago, was "outperforming its closest rival on all key measures in the domestic market where its distribution is being constantly expanded", said Mr O'Reilly.

Exports also benefitted from the global roll-out of the "Irish pub" following the 1992 launch of the Guinness Irish pub concept.

Currently, there are 1,300 Guinness Irish pubs in 36 countries with a further 200 due to open by the end of the year.