DRINKS giant Diageo has tempered its sales expectations for the current year as it faces a backdrop of global "uncertainty".
The Guinness maker, which employs around 400 people in the north, warned that full-year sales are expected to be on the lower end of forecasts as it was affected by volatility in global markets.
However, the London listed firm hailed a "good" half-year's trading performance as it said net sales increased by 4.2 per cent to £7.2m for the six months to December 31.
It added that operating profit increased by 0.5 per cent to £2.4bn as organic growth was offset by unfavourable exchange rates.
Diageo said it made progress, but warned that the company "would not be immune from further policy changes" in an uncertain political environment.
In October, the US government introduced 25 per cent tariffs on single malt whiskies but said this has not had a significant impact on its trading performance.
Diageo said it expects net sales growth for the full year to be towards the lower end of its forecast range, of between four per cent and six per cent growth.
It said its half-year performance was in line with guidance despite the impact of volatility in India, Latin America and Caribbean and travel retail.
The company said all its spirits categories reported growth for the period, apart from vodka, which reported a modest level on decline.
Diageo said it was particularly buoyed by strong growth in tequila, particularly in North America, while gin sales remained strong globally.
In the UK, the company was strengthened by sales growth for Tanqueray, offsetting a slight decline in Gordon's sales.
Ivan Menezes, chief executive of Diageo, said: "Diageo has delivered another good, consistent set of results in the first half, with broad based organic net sales growth across regions and categories.
"We have continued to increase investment behind marketing and growth initiatives, while expanding organic operating margins.
"There is ongoing uncertainty in the global trade environment and we would not be immune from further policy changes.
"We remain focused on building the long-term health of our brands, supported by data-led insights and a culture of everyday efficiency."
