USA: Outstanding performance by Diageo brands at San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Diageo, the world's leading spirits, beer and wine company, announced on April 3 that it has received a total of 71 medals across several categories at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In total, Diageo received 15 Double Gold, 11 Gold, 34 Silver and 11 Bronze medals, with Johnnie Walker Green Label receiving honors as 'Top Blended Scotch of 2006.' Additionally, the nineteen-judge panel of wine and spirits experts also acknowledged Diageo as the 'Importer of the Year,' an award that has only been given twice during the events history, both times to Diageo.

"We're incredibly proud of our success in this year's competition," said Larry Schwartz, President of U.S. Spirits. "The results of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are a testament to the hard work and the people behind Diageo brands as we work to continue to deliver superior world-class products."

In its sixth year running, The San Francisco World Spirits Competition has become internationally recognized and is the most comprehensive competition of its kind. This year 701 of entrants from 52 countries participated in the event.

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 200 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.

04 April, 2006