EIGHT Diageo brands were among the top 20 premium spirits in the world by volume, and seven in the top 20 spirits by value, according to the just released Impact Databank Top 100 rankings.

These results represent more placements than any other drinks company in the world. Smirnoff remained the world’s number one premium spirit while Johnnie Walker, a particular favourite in Latin America and the Caribbean, remained the world’s number one spirit by value, according to Impact Databank. Both are Diageo brands.

“The Impact results are yet another independent analysis of the success of our premium spirits brands,” said Olga Martinez Garcia, senior vice president of marketing & innovation for Diageo, Latin America & Caribbean Hub.

“The Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker rankings are particularly pleasing for us as these two globally iconic spirit brands continue to grow in popularity across the region and consumers are clearly responding well to our innovative marketing activities,” she added.

Diageo also led the board for Top 100 Distilled Spirits by Brand — its 13 premium labels representing 81.6 million cases, with a retail value totalling US$15,875 million — far ahead of its nearest competitors.

Impact Databank is the leading source for exclusive data on the alcoholic beverage industry. The annual rankings tables are released in terms of both volume and value — measurements that allow for an independent, critical analysis of the success of the world’s most well known brands.

Other brands in the Diageo portfolio in the Impact Databank rankings include: Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Baileys, Crown Royal and J&B in the top 20 premium spirits by value and volume.

Gordon’s Gin also remained in the top 20 premium spirits by volume.

Diageo is the parent company of local beer manufacturer Red Stripe.