By James Atkinson
Diageo Reserve, the spirits company's luxury division, delivered over 80 per cent sales growth in Australia last year, contributing to a two per cent increase in group net profit to $2.95 billion.
Announcing its results for the financial year ended June 30, 2012, Diageo yesterday said its operating profit was £3.2 billion ($4.86 billion), up 11 per cent.
"In Asia Pacific, we maintained our leadership position in international spirits and gained share in all key markets and categories," Diageo said.
"The emerging markets of Asia grew double digit with South East Asia up 15 per cent, Greater China 13 per cent and India 24 per cent."
Chief executive Paul Walsh said Diageo is "a strong business, getting stronger and the results we released this morning show that very clearly".
"We have increased our presence in the faster growing markets of the world, through both acquisitions and strong organic growth," he said.
"We have enhanced our leading brand positions globally, through effective marketing and industry leading innovation and we have strengthened our routes to market."