Pernod Ricard said third-quarter sales rose more than analysts estimated after consumers continued to buy more expensive spirits and demand increased in emerging markets.

So-called organic revenue, which excludes the effect of acquisitions, disposals and currency fluctuations, rose 3 per cent in the three months through March 31st, the company said yesterday in a statement.

Sales of Jameson grew by 17 per cent in the first nine months of the year.

The brand remained a driver of growth in the US, increasing sales by 23 per cent in the region. Jameson also performed well in Canada, where it achieved double-digit growth, and in European countries, including Russia and Ukraine.

Additional reporting: Bloomberg