Diageo, the world’s leading drinks company, today committed its ongoing support to the Northern Ireland economy with the opening of its new offices in the heart of Belfast City Centre and the announcement of a new two year £100,000 investment in Visit Belfast.

The company which produces 70% of all Baileys sold worldwide at its facility at Mallusk Co. Antrim and will later this year celebrate 30 years of its operations at Marshalls Road, East Belfast responsible for bottling, canning and packaging of its market leading beers, had its new offices in Capital House opened by Minister Jonathan Bell, MLA and John Kennedy, President of Diageo Europe.

Employing over 300 people throughout Northern Ireland, Diageo has stated its new offices will host its local sales and marketing teams as well as all of the company’s Customer Services and Credit Management team for the island of Ireland which has seen 55 new jobs coming to Belfast.

According to John Kennedy, President of Diageo Europe, this is one example of the company’s on- going commitment to supporting economic growth within Northern Ireland. 

Commenting at the launch of the Belfast offices he said; “Through our employment and production, Diageo is proud of its long standing history and partnerships throughout Northern Ireland and we are committed to supporting economic growth through hospitality, increased tourism and job creation.

Today we have officially opened our new state of the art offices in the City Centre and have also announced a new investment of £100k over two years with our partners Visit Belfast, supporting the great work that they do in developing and promoting Belfast. 

“There are now signs of a sustainable recovery with recent statistics from Hospitality Ulster stating that the industry in Northern Ireland as a whole has the potential to create up to 5,000 new jobs in the next 10 years.  This upturn is reflected in the growth of the night-time economy not only in Belfast but throughout Northern Ireland and at Diageo we are committed to supporting this growth through investment in our brands, in the wider economy and community and with our strategic partners.”

Commenting on the opening of Diageo’s new offices and of its support of the local economy, Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell said; “Diageo is one of Northern Ireland’s foremost exporters within the Food and Drinks sector. The company’s presence across its three local sites provides valuable employment and job opportunities. The relocation of their Corporate Head Quarters here to the heart of Belfast city centre demonstrates their continued investment in both the city and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland’s tourism and hospitality industry has never been in a stronger position. The commitment of Diageo to increased tourism and job creation plays an important part in the continued growth of the industry and the economic prosperity of Northern Ireland.”