Diageo

Diageo was formed in 1997 from the merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan. Its creation was driven by the executives Anthony Greener and Philip Yea at Guinness,{{cite web |title=Diageo |url=https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Diageo |website=Grace's Guide |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=25 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825104349/https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Diageo |url-status=live }} along with George Bull and John McGrath of Grand Metropolitan.{{cite web |title=Profile: John McGrath – The Man Who'll Mix The Drinks |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/profile-john-mcgrath-the-man-wholl-mix-the-drinks-1262146.html |website=The Independent |date=22 October 2011 |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=16 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616154118/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/profile-john-mcgrath-the-man-wholl-mix-the-drinks-1262146.html |url-status=live }} Anthony Greener was the first executive chairman.{{cite web |title=A liquid lunch |url=http://www.forbes.com/forbes/1999/0920/6407144a.html |website=Forbes |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=25 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825104357/https://www.forbes.com/forbes/1999/0920/6407144a.html |url-status=live }} Shares in Diageo began trading on the London Stock Exchange on 17 December 1997.{{cite web |title=Diageo's drinks are best left on the shelf |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/diageos-heady-cocktail-is-best-left-on-the-shelf-586305.html |website=The Independent |access-date=10 December 2019}}

Diageo is an invented name that was created by the branding consultancy Wolff Olins in 1997.{{cite web|url=http://wolffolins.com/work/diageo|title=Diageo Case Study|access-date=6 June 2012|publisher=Wolff Olins|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120163413/http://wolffolins.com/work/diageo|archive-date=20 January 2013}} The name is composed of the Latin word diēs, meaning "day", and the Greek root geo-, meaning "earth"; and is meant to reference the company slogan "Celebrating Life, Every Day, Everywhere".{{cite web |title=History of Diageo |url=https://www.drinks.ng/history-of-diageo/ |website=Drinks.ng |date=August 2016 |access-date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=25 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825104350/https://drinks.ng/history-of-diageo/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Guinness' new name gets shareholder thumbs |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/guinness-new-name-gets-shareholder-thumbs-down-1296537.html |website=The Independent |date=23 October 2011 |access-date=6 June 2012 |archive-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808044920/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/guinness-new-name-gets-shareholder-thumbs-down-1296537.html |url-status=live }}

As a legacy of the merger, Diageo owned a number of brands, businesses, and assets which were not in the core alcoholic drinks category. The company gradually disposed of these assets to focus on beverages as its core business.{{Cite news |date=19 August 2002|title=Diageo cleared to sell Burger King |url=https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2002/10/14/Diageo-cleared-to-sell-Burger-King |work=Beverage Daily}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/26/business/us-investors-agree-to-buy-burger-king-from-diageo-for-2.26-billion.html?pagewanted=1 |title=Investors Agree to Buy Burger King From Diageo for $2.26 Billion |work=New York Times |pages=C5 |first=Sherri |last=Day |date=26 July 2002 |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=17 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217002029/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/26/business/us-investors-agree-to-buy-burger-king-from-diageo-for-2.26-billion.html?pagewanted=1 |url-status=live }} This included the sale of the Pillsbury Company to General Mills in 2000,{{cite web |title=Diageo to Confirm Pillsbury Deal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/jul/17/7 |website=The Guardian |date=17 July 2000 |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418153724/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/jul/17/7 |url-status=live }} and the 2002 sale of the Burger King fast food restaurant chain to a consortium led by US firm Texas Pacific for US$1.5 billion.{{cite news |title=Diageo sells Burger King |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/diageo-sells-burger-king-chain-for-1-5bn-1.451895 |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605100738/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/diageo-sells-burger-king-chain-for-1-5bn-1.451895 |url-status=live }}

The predecessor company Grand Metropolitan had been a major owner of hotels, owning what is now Intercontinental Hotels prior to divestment before merging into Diageo,{{Cite news |last=Sanger |first=David E. |date=1988-10-01 |title=COMPANY NEWS; Japanese Purchase Of Inter-Continental Set for $2.27 Billion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/01/business/company-news-japanese-purchase-of-inter-continental-set-for-2.27-billion.html |access-date=2023-01-27 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=16 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116084213/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/01/business/company-news-japanese-purchase-of-inter-continental-set-for-2.27-billion.html |url-status=live }} but the company still owned the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, which had hosted events including the Ryder Cup and G8 summit. In 2015 Diageo reached an agreement to sell the hotel to the Ennismore Group, already owners of The Hoxton hotels.{{Cite news |date=2 July 2015 |title=Gleneagles Hotel and golf resort sold by Diageo |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-33342626 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117100759/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-33342626 |url-status=live }}

In November 2016, Diageo announced its intention of selling at auction Sir Edwin Landseer's iconic 1851 painting The Monarch of the Glen – which the company owned, but which has been on loan to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh since 1999 – as it has "no direct link to our business or brands","Iconic Scottish painting The Monarch of the Glen to be sold". BBC. 2 November 2016. Retrieved 15 November 2016. being used on the label of rival brand Glenfiddich,{{Cite news |last=Schiffer |first=Jessica |date=1 November 2021 |title=6 Things You Didn't Know About Glenfiddich |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/_glenfiddich/2021/11/01/6-things-you-didnt-know-about-glenfiddich-the-worlds-leading-single-malt-scotch-whisky/ |work=Forbes}} owned by William Grant & Sons. Following a fundraising campaign, the painting was sold to the National Galleries of Scotland for around half its assayed value of £8 million.{{cite web |date=16 February 2017 |title=Campaign to raise funds for Monarch of the Glen painting |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38994055 |access-date=16 February 2017 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126094042/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38994055 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Mark |date=17 March 2017 |title=Monarch of the Glen saved from auction block after £4m fundraising drive |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/mar/17/scotland-wins-fight-keep-monarch-glen-painting-edwin-landseer |work=The Guardian}}

In 2015, the company made major sales in both the beer and wine categories, selling the Red Stripe beer brand, along with interests in other breweries, and the rights to Guinness in some territories to Heineken,{{Cite news |date=9 October 2015 |title=Heineken Acquires Red Stripe Beer from Diageo |url=https://beveragedynamics.com/2015/10/09/heineken-acquires-red-stripe-beer-from-diageo/ |work=Beverage Dynamics}}{{Cite news |last=Megaw |first=Nicholas |date=7 October 2015 |title=Diageo focuses operations with £515m assets sale to Heineken |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4ba90866-6ce9-11e5-aca9-d87542bf8673 |work=Financial Times |access-date=17 January 2024 }} as well as the sale of most of its wine business to Treasury Wine Estates.{{cite web |title=TWE to acquire Diageo's Wine Business For $600 Million |url=http://www.shankennewsdaily.com/index.php/2015/10/14/13535/twe-to-acquire-diageos-wine-business-for-600-million/ |website=Shanken News Daily |date=14 October 2015 |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924074201/http://www.shankennewsdaily.com/index.php/2015/10/14/13535/twe-to-acquire-diageos-wine-business-for-600-million/ |url-status=live }} The separate 2019 sale of the remaining wine brands including Navarro Correas and Chalone Vineyard saw Diageo exit the category.{{cite web |title=Foley Family Wines Buys Chalone Vineyards |url=http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/52727 |website=WineSpectator.com |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=15 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515224710/http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/52727 |url-status=live }}

Whilst Diageo did acquire South African beer producer United National Breweries (UNB) in April 2015 shortly before the Red Stripe sale was made,{{cite web |title=Diageo to get control of United National Breweries |url=https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/diageo-to-acquire-control-of-united-national-breweries/ |website=Diageo Plc |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027203715/https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/diageo-to-acquire-control-of-united-national-breweries/ |url-status=live }} they divested it again in the second half of 2019.{{cite web |title=Diageo sells United National Breweries in South Africa |url=https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/diageo-sells-united-national-breweries-in-south-africa/ |website=Diageo Plc |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130095522/https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/diageo-sells-united-national-breweries-in-south-africa/ |url-status=live }}

In December 2023 it was speculated in the media that Diageo would exit from the beer market entirely,{{Cite news |date=6 December 2023 |title=Diageo Seeking To Divest Remaining Beer Portfolio After Margin Concerns |url=https://www.hospitalityireland.com/drinks/diageo-seeking-to-divest-remaining-beer-portfolio-after-margin-concerns-202207 |work=Hospitality Ireland |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117113515/https://www.hospitalityireland.com/drinks/diageo-seeking-to-divest-remaining-beer-portfolio-after-margin-concerns-202207 |url-status=live }} potentially including the Guinness brand,{{Cite news |last=Beeson |first=James |date=7 December 2023 |title=Why would Diageo look to exit beer entirely – including Guinness? |url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/alcohol/why-would-diageo-look-to-exit-beer-entirely-including-guinness/686090.article |work=The Grocer |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223204729/https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/alcohol/why-would-diageo-look-to-exit-beer-entirely-including-guinness/686090.article |url-status=live }} but this was denied by the company.{{Cite news |last=McCashin |first=Christian |date=7 December 2023 |title=Diageo Insists It Is Sticking With Niche Beer Brands |url=https://businessplus.ie/news/diageo-irish-beers/ |work=Business Plus}}

The business has grown with purchases of alcohol businesses around the world, including the 2011 part-ownership and 2013 full acquisition of the Chinese baijiu manufacturer Sichuan Shuijingfang Company in China.{{cite web |title=Close of partial tender offer for shares in Sichuan Shuijingfang Company Limited |url=https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/close-of-the-partial-tender-offer-for-shares-in-sichuan-shuijingfang-company-limited/ |website=Diageo Plc |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=8 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208075925/https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/close-of-the-partial-tender-offer-for-shares-in-sichuan-shuijingfang-company-limited/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Diageo proposes upping stake in Shui Jing Fang Baijui Company |url=https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2019/02/diageo-proposes-upping-stake-in-shui-jing-fang-baiju-company/ |website=The Drinks Business |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018110656/https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2019/02/diageo-proposes-upping-stake-in-shui-jing-fang-baiju-company/ |url-status=live }}

The company further acquired Turkish liquor company Mey Icki for US$2.1 billion in 2011,{{cite web |title=Diageo in $2.1 Billion Deal for Turkish Liquor Maker |url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/diageo-to-buy-turkeys-mey-icki-for-2-1-billion/ |website=The New York Times |date=21 February 2011 |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=17 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617082238/https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/diageo-to-buy-turkeys-mey-icki-for-2-1-billion/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Diageo's Turkish delight at raki swoop |url=http://www.scotsman.com/business/diageo-s-turkish-delight-at-raki-swoop-1-1502201 |website=The Scotsman |access-date=6 June 2012 |archive-date=3 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203005745/https://www.scotsman.com/business/diageo-s-turkish-delight-at-raki-swoop-1-1502201 |url-status=live }} and in 2012 followed this with Brazilian cachaça manufacturer Ypióca for £300 million,{{cite web |title=Diageo gets the taste for a cocktail with Brazilian |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/diageo-gets-the-taste-for-a-cocktail-with-brazilian-spirit-7799805.html |website=The Independent |date=29 May 2012 |access-date=31 May 2012 |archive-date=5 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605051107/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/diageo-gets-the-taste-for-a-cocktail-with-brazilian-spirit-7799805.html |url-status=live }} and the Indian United Spirits which they acquired a majority stake for £1.28 billion.{{cite news |title=Diageo buys majority stake in India's United Spirits |publisher=BBC News |date=9 November 2012 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20267619 |access-date=10 November 2012 |archive-date=25 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825104359/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20267619 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Diageo does $2.1 billion deal for India's United Spirits |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-unitedspirits-diageo-idUKBRE8A712E20121109 |work=Reuters |date=9 November 2012 |access-date=10 November 2012 |last1=Davies |first1=Sumeet Chatterjee |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305141350/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-unitedspirits-diageo-idUKBRE8A712E20121109 |url-status=dead }}

In June 2012, Diageo announced a £1 billion investment in Scotch whisky production over the following five years, with at least one new distillery to be constructed, several existing facilities to be expanded, and overall production capacity to be increased by 30 to 40 per cent.{{cite web |title=Diageo's £1bn Shot into Malt Whisky |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/leisure/9313204/Diageos-1bn-shot-into-malt-whisky.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/leisure/9313204/Diageos-1bn-shot-into-malt-whisky.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |access-date=11 December 2019 |website=The Telegraph|date=6 June 2012 }}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |date=6 June 2012 |title=Scotch whisky firm, Diageo, to invest £1bn |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-18336994 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825104357/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-18336994 |archive-date=25 August 2023 |access-date=6 June 2012 |publisher=BBC News}}

In December 2015, Diageo announced a US$10 million investment in Danish whisky brand Stauning, to facilitate expansion of production.{{cite web |title=Diageo invests £10m in Stauning Danish whisky |url=http://drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/5777/Diageo_invests__A310m_in_Stauning_Danish_whisky.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825104404/https://drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/5777/Diageo_invests__A310m_in_Stauning_Danish_whisky.html |archive-date=25 August 2023 |access-date=20 February 2019}}

In February 2017, Diageo announced plans to open a Guinness brewery and tourist attraction in Baltimore County, Maryland.{{cite news |title=Maryland's new Guinness brewery is a destination for fans – and everyone else, too |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/gdpr-consent/?next_url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.washingtonpost.com%2fgoingoutguide%2fmarylands-new-guinness-brewery-is-a-destination-for-fans--and-everyone-else-too%2f2019%2f03%2f12%2fb57120c6-4436-11e9-8aab-95b8d80a1e4f_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107234750/https://www.washingtonpost.com/gdpr-consent/?next_url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.washingtonpost.com%2fgoingoutguide%2fmarylands-new-guinness-brewery-is-a-destination-for-fans--and-everyone-else-too%2f2019%2f03%2f12%2fb57120c6-4436-11e9-8aab-95b8d80a1e4f_story.html |archive-date=7 November 2020 |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} The brewery could potentially host as many as 300,000 visitors per year.{{cite news |title=Guinness Debuts New Brewery in Maryland |url=https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/features/guinness-debuts-new-brewery-in-maryland/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018110656/https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/features/guinness-debuts-new-brewery-in-maryland |archive-date=18 October 2023 |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

In October 2021, Diageo completed a £185m investment in Scotch whisky tourism with the royal opening by Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, of its centrepiece visitor centre in Edinburgh, Scotland, promoting the Johnnie Walker brand of blended Scotch whisky.{{Cite web |title=Prince Charles opens Edinburgh Johnnie Walker centre and makes his own cocktail |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/prince-charles-opens-edinburgh-johnnie-21736941 |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=www.edinburghlive.co.uk |date=October 2021 |language=en}}

In October 2021, Diageo announced plans to invest $500m to expand its manufacturing in Mexico for the tequila category. Construction of the new facilities in Jalisco, Mexico is expected to begin in 2021.{{cite news |date=October 2021 |title=Diageo to invest $500 million in tequila production in Mexico |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/diageo-invest-500-million-tequila-production-mexico-2021-09-30/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001003911/https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/diageo-invest-500-million-tequila-production-mexico-2021-09-30/ |archive-date=1 October 2021 |access-date=1 October 2021 |work=Reuters}}

Diageo announced plans to build a €200 million brewery in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland in July 2022. In February 2024, High Court proceedings were lodged against An Bord Pleanála by an Athy resident opposing the decision to approve the project.{{Cite web |title=Athy man John Lynch takes An Bord Pleanála to court over approval of €200m Diageo brewery in Newbridge |url=https://www.businesspost.ie/news/athy-man-john-lynch-takes-an-bord-pleanala-to-court-over-approval-of-e200m-diageo-brewery-in-newbrid/ |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=www.businesspost.ie |language=en-US}} After mediation talks with Diageo, the challenge was withdrawn in April.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-01 |title=Work to start on Diageo's €200m brewery after undertaker withdraws challenge |url=https://www.independent.ie/business/work-to-start-on-diageos-200m-brewery-after-undertaker-withdraws-challenge/a1203042301.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503095529/https://www.independent.ie/business/work-to-start-on-diageos-200m-brewery-after-undertaker-withdraws-challenge/a1203042301.html |archive-date=3 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=Irish Independent |language=en}}

In August 2019, Diageo bought the majority stake in Seedlip, a non-alcoholic spirits brand.{{cite web |title=Diageo's Stake in Seedlip Proves Booze-Free Spirits Are Big Business |url=https://fortune.com/2019/08/08/diageo-seedlip/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825104355/https://fortune.com/2019/08/08/diageo-seedlip/ |archive-date=25 August 2023 |access-date=10 September 2019 |website=Fortune}}

In September 2024, it was announced Diageo had acquired Ritual Zero Proof, a non-alcoholic spirits brand.{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Ted |date=2024-09-25 |title=Diageo acquires Ritual Zero Proof |url=https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2024/09/diageo-acquires-ritual-zero-proof/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=The Spirits Business |language=en-US}}

In March 2023, it was announced that Debra Crew would succeed Sir Ivan Menezes as CEO of the company.{{Cite news |last=Walsh |first=Dominic |date=29 June 2023 |title=Diageo names Debra Crew as new chief |url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/markets/article/diageo-names-debra-crew-as-new-chief-q5p0zf0lj |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329155258/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/diageo-names-debra-crew-as-new-chief-q5p0zf0lj |archive-date=29 March 2023 |access-date=29 March 2023 |via=www.thetimes.co.uk}} Crew started her role a month ahead of plan after Menezes died on 7 June 2023.{{Cite news |last=Speed |first=Madeleine |date=2023-06-07 |title=Diageo chief Ivan Menezes dies |url=https://www.ft.com/content/00188486-b963-4c5a-9748-41d4f8fd0ddd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613223038/https://www.ft.com/content/00188486-b963-4c5a-9748-41d4f8fd0ddd |archive-date=13 June 2023 |access-date=2023-06-13 |work=Financial Times}}

In May 2023, it was announced that Diageo has provided funding to establish the British Aluminium Consortium for Advance Alloys (BACALL), a collective of industry experts who will create a circular economy in the UK.{{Cite web |title=Diageo invests in project to create UK aluminium circular economy |url=http://www.thedrinksreport.com/news/2023/19086-diageo-invests-in-project-to-create-uk-alumunium-circular-economy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610224017/https://www.thedrinksreport.com/news/2023/19086-diageo-invests-in-project-to-create-uk-alumunium-circular-economy.html |archive-date=10 June 2023 |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=TheDrinksReport.com |language=en}}

In 1998, Diageo sold the John Dewar & Sons, Ltd. company including Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Royal Brackla distilleries and Bombay Sapphire gin to Bacardi Limited.{{Cite web |title=G&J Distillers Warrington |url=http://www.grovesandwhitnall.co.uk/gj-distillers-warrington/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208041747/http://www.grovesandwhitnall.co.uk/gj-distillers-warrington/ |archive-date=2015-12-08 |access-date=2013-11-05}}{{Cite news |date=1998-03-31 |title=INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS; Diageo Sells Dewar's And Bombay to Bacardi |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/31/business/international-briefs-diageo-sells-dewar-s-and-bombay-to-bacardi.html |access-date=2023-02-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226191233/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/31/business/international-briefs-diageo-sells-dewar-s-and-bombay-to-bacardi.html |url-status=live }}

In 2001, Diageo acquired the collapsed Seagram's spirits and wine businesses which included Captain Morgan and Seagram's blended whiskey.{{cite web |title=Diageo in 2001 – Seagram's Acquisition sees Crown royal and Captain Morgan join Diageo's brands |url=https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/features/diageo-in-2001-seagram-s-acquisition-sees-crown-royal-and-captain-morgan-join-diageo-s-brands/ |access-date=11 December 2019 |website=Diageo plc |archive-date=25 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825104353/https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/features/diageo-in-2001-seagram-s-acquisition-sees-crown-royal-and-captain-morgan-join-diageo-s-brands |url-status=live }}

In 2002, Diageo sold Malibu rum to Allied Domecq for £560m ($800m).{{cite news |date=27 February 2002 |title=Diageo sells Malibu rum |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1844577.stm |access-date=17 May 2008 |publisher=BBC News}}[https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/28/business/malibu-rum-being-sold-by-diageo-to-domecq.html Malibu Rum Being Sold By Diageo To Domecq], The New York Times, 28 February 2002

In 2002, Diageo sold the inactive Rosebank distillery buildings and contents to British Waterways.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2018-04-16 |title=Rosebank: a brand history |url=https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2018/04/rosebank-a-brand-history/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=The Spirits Business |language=en-US}}

Diageo acquired a 50% stake in Don Julio tequila through a joint venture with owner Jose Cuervo, for which they paid US$100 million in 2003.{{cite web |title=Diageo Turns to Tequila For Its Next Buy |url=https://www.cityam.com/diageo-turns-tequila-its-next-buy/ |website=City A.M |date=20 March 2011 |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=25 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825104358/https://www.cityam.com/diageo-turns-tequila-its-next-buy/ |url-status=live }} They later obtained full ownership of the brand after agreeing to sell Bushmills Irish whiskey to Proximo Spirits, who had since acquired Jose Cuervo, in exchange for US$408 million and full ownership of the tequila brand.{{cite news |title=Diageo Gets Full Control of Don Julio in Swap for Bushmills |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-03/diageo-to-trade-bushmills-whiskey-for-full-control-of-don-julio.html |newspaper=Bloomberg |date=3 November 2014 |access-date=23 December 2014 |archive-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111204609/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-03/diageo-to-trade-bushmills-whiskey-for-full-control-of-don-julio.html |url-status=live }}

In 2004, Diageo sold the inactive Coleburn distillery buildings and contents to the Winchester Brothers with plans to transform the distillery grounds into a whisky resort.{{Cite web |last=Micallef |first=Joseph V. |title=Coleburn Single Malt: One Of The World's Rarest Scotch Whiskies |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2019/05/01/coleburn-single-malt-one-of-the-worlds-rarest-scotch-whiskies/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Forbes |language=en}}

Diageo formed a relationship with rapper Sean Combs in an "equal-share venture" in 2007 to promote the Cîroc vodka brand,{{Cite news |date=30 October 2009 |title=Diageo Turns to Dutch, Diddy Partnerships for Vodka Expansion |website=Bloomberg |first=Andrew |last=Cleary |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aJC.eTdMO4vk |access-date=1 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924151558/https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aJC.eTdMO4vk |archive-date=24 September 2015}} and this led to the joint purchase of the DeLeón Tequila brand in 2013. The partnership was terminated in 2024 after a legal dispute, leaving Diageo the sole owner of both brands.{{Cite news |date=17 January 2024 |title=Diddy and drinks giant Diageo settle dispute over tequila |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68002039 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117093239/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68002039 |url-status=live }}

In 2007, Diageo sold the inactive Port Charlotte distillery buildings and contents to The Bruichladdich Distillery Co. Ltd.{{Cite web |last=Micallef |first=Joseph V. |title=The Relaunch of Port Charlotte 10 YO |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2018/08/02/the-relaunch-of-port-charlotte-10-yo/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Forbes |language=en}}

In 2010, Diageo opened Roseisle distillery at a cost of £40 million.{{cite news |last=Wood |first=Zoe |date=3 October 2010 |title=Diageo opens the first major new whisky distillery for a generation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/oct/03/diageo-roseisle-distillery-opens |work=The Guardian}}

In 2010, Diageo closed Port Dundas grain distillery that was demolished in 2011.{{Cite news |date=2011-09-06 |title=Diageo demolishes giant chimney at Port Dundas site |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-14809608 |access-date=2024-09-28 |publisher=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

In March 2016, the company sold Grand Marnier, a cognac and bitter orange-based liqueur, to the Italian beverage company Campari Group.{{cite web|url=https://next.ft.com/content/a14d5f5f-70a0-3bcc-9520-388fe08f867c|date=15 March 2016|title=Gruppo Campari to buy brandy brand Grand Marnier|publisher=FT.com|access-date=6 July 2016|archive-date=28 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628022134/https://next.ft.com/content/a14d5f5f-70a0-3bcc-9520-388fe08f867c|url-status=live}}

In June 2017, the Casamigos tequila brand – a US-based tequila, launched in 2013 was acquired by Diageo.{{cite news |title=Guinness plans to brew in America again, for the first time in six decades |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/food/wp/2017/01/31/guinness-plans-to-brew-in-america-again-for-the-first-time-in-six-decades/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=11 December 2019 |archive-date=1 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001223834/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/food/wp/2017/01/31/guinness-plans-to-brew-in-america-again-for-the-first-time-in-six-decades/ |url-status=live }}

In November 2018, Diageo sold Seagram's whiskey brand, along with Myers's Rum, Popov vodka, Booth's Gin, Goldschläger, Yukon Jack, Sambuca, and 11 other brands to the Sazerac Company for US$550 million,{{cite web |title=Diageo sells portfolio of brands to Sazerac |url=https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/diageo-sells-portfolio-of-brands-to-sazerac/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628062516/https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/diageo-sells-portfolio-of-brands-to-sazerac/ |archive-date=28 June 2022 |access-date=12 December 2019 |website=Diageo Plc}}{{cite news |date=12 November 2018 |title=Diageo Sells Seagram's VO to Sazerac in $550 Million Deal |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-12/diageo-sells-seagram-s-vo-and-others-to-sazerac-for-550-million |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107205650/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-12/diageo-sells-seagram-s-vo-and-others-to-sazerac-for-550-million |archive-date=7 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2018 |website=Bloomberg}} but kept the Seagram's Seven Crown brand.{{Cite news |last=Geller |first=Muvija M, Martinne |date=2018-11-12 |title=Diageo to sell 19 brands to U.S.-based Sazerac for $550 million |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-diageo-divestment-idUSKCN1NH0M0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014035955/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-diageo-divestment-idUSKCN1NH0M0 |archive-date=14 October 2023 |access-date=2021-08-10 |work=Reuters |language=en}}

In September 2022, Diageo sold Archers brand to De Kuyper Royal Distillers.{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Jessica |date=2022-09-08 |title=Diageo sells Archers brand to De Kuyper Royal Distillers |url=https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2022/09/diageo-sells-archers-brand-to-de-kuyper-royal-distillers/ |access-date=2023-02-05 |website=The Drinks Business |language=en-US |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205113002/https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2022/09/diageo-sells-archers-brand-to-de-kuyper-royal-distillers/ |url-status=live }}

In October 2022, it was announced Diageo had acquired the Australian cold-brew coffee liqueur brand, Mr Black.{{Cite web |date=5 October 2022 |title=Diageo Acquires Coffee Liqueur Brand Mr Black |url=https://www.esmmagazine.com/drinks/diageo-acquires-coffee-liqueur-mr-black-222294 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006124923/https://www.esmmagazine.com/drinks/diageo-acquires-coffee-liqueur-mr-black-222294 |archive-date=6 October 2022 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=ESM Magazine |language=en}}

In November 2022, it was announced that Diageo would acquire Balcones Distilling, a whiskey distillery based in Texas.{{Cite web|title=Diageo Purchases Super-Premium Texas Craft Distiller Balcones Distilling|url=https://vinepair.com/booze-news/diageo-acquires-balcones-distilling/|publisher=Vine Pair|date=2 November 2022|access-date=2 November 2022|archive-date=2 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102163947/https://vinepair.com/booze-news/diageo-acquires-balcones-distilling/|url-status=live}}

In October 2023, Diageo sold Windsor Global, which owns blended Scotch brand Windsor, to private equity firm PT W Co of South Korea, sponsored by the Pine Tree Investment & Management Co.{{Cite web |last=Carruthers |first=Nicola |date=2023-10-30 |title=Diageo sells Windsor whisky arm |url=https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2023/10/diageo-sells-windsor-whisky-arm/ |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=The Spirits Business |language=en-US |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030111259/https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2023/10/diageo-sells-windsor-whisky-arm/ |url-status=live }}

In February 2024, a report claimed Diageo was looking to sell the brands Pimm's, Safari and Pampero Rum.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=Diageo looks for Pampero, Pimm's, Safari buyer – report |url=https://drinks-intel.com/spirits/diageo-looks-for-pampero-pimms-safari-buyer-report/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Drinks Intel |language=en-US }} Both Safari and Pampero rum were sold in July 2024.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=Diageo offloads Safari liqueur to Portugal's Casa Redondo |url=https://www.just-drinks.com/news/diageo-offloads-safari-liqueur-to-portugals-casa-redondo/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Just Drinks |language=en-US }}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=Diageo sells Pampero rum to Gruppo Montenegro|url=https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2024/07/diageo-sells-pampero-rum-to-gruppo-montenegro/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Just Drinks |language=en-US }}

On 19 March 2024, Diageo reopened Port Ellen distillery after 40 years of closure and a £185 million (US$235m) restoration.{{Cite web |last=Kiely |first=Melita |date=2024-03-19 |title=Port Ellen distillery back in business after 40 years |url=https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2024/03/port-ellen-distillery-back-in-business-after-40-years/ |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=The Spirits Business |language=en-US}}

In November 2024, the company formed Diageo Luxury Group, a new luxury division to combine its luxury spirits and experiences, with brands like Brora, Port Ellen and the company's 15 brand homes and distiller experiences. The company said it would also help to grow Justerini & Brooks.{{Cite web |last=Kiely |first=Melita |date=2024-11-12 |title=Diageo forms Luxury Group to accelerate growth |url=https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2024/11/diageo-forms-luxury-group-to-accelerate-growth/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=The Spirits Business |language=en-US}}

In January 2025, Diageo sold Cacique to La Martiniquaise for an undisclosed sum.{{Cite web |last=Carruthers |first=Nicola |date=2025-01-24 |title=Diageo sells Cacique rum to La Martiniquaise |url=https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/01/diageo-sells-cacique-rum-to-la-martiniquaise/ |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=The Spirits Business |language=en-US}}

File:Diageo Offices in new development, Park Royal - geograph.org.uk - 15914.jpg, West London, in 2005.]]

Diageo's head office is in Great Marlborough Street, London after moving in 2022 from its previous location in Park Royal, London Borough of Brent,{{cite web |title=Diageo Contacts |url=http://www.diageo.com/en-row/Pages/contacts.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224005807/http://www.diageo.com/en-row/Pages/contacts.aspx |archive-date=24 December 2022 |access-date=1 September 2011 |website=Diageo Plc}} on the site of a former Guinness brewery{{cite web |title=Drinks maker Diageo to close London office |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/5024097/Drinks-maker-Diageo-to-close-London-office.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/5024097/Drinks-maker-Diageo-to-close-London-office.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |access-date=1 September 2011 |website=The Daily Telegraph|date=20 March 2009 }}{{cbignore}} which had closed in 2004 after producing beer since 1936.{{cite web |title=Guinness to end UK brewing |url=https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2004/042/21/Guinness-to-end-UK-brewing |access-date=11 December 2019 |website=The Morning Advertiser}} Diageo's previous head office facility had been located in Henrietta Place, in the Marylebone district of the City of Westminster in London, since 1996. In 2009, Diageo announced that it was closing the Henrietta Place facility as part of a cost reduction programme and moved its employees to the Park Royal site.{{cite web |title=Contact us |url=http://www.diageo.com/en-row/header/Contactus.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120143901/http://www.diageo.com/en-row/header/Contactus.htm |archive-date=20 November 2009 |access-date=15 December 2009 |website=Diageo Plc}}

Diageo operates in 180 countries across five regions: Europe, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia–Pacific and Africa.{{cite book |last=Davies |first=Adrian |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=23sdpmOPsnEC&pg=PA74 |title=Best Practice in Corporate Governance: Building Reputation and Sustainable Success |publisher=Routledge |year=2006 |isbn=978-0566086441 |page=74}}

Diageo also owns a 34% stake in the Moet Hennessy drinks division of French luxury goods company LVMH.{{Cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Dominic |last2=Boyle |first2=Catherine |date=23 April 2009 |title=LVMH denies being in Moet sale talks with Diageo |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/consumer_goods/article6150701.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611222441/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/consumer_goods/article6150701.ece |archive-date=11 June 2011 |access-date=27 July 2010 |work=The Times |location=London}}

In 2017, the company was awarded top place in the Institute of Directors' and Chartered Quality Institute's Good Governance Index.{{Cite web |title=Blog | Resources | Ideagen |url=https://www.ideagen.com/thought-leadership/blog |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126145421/https://www.ideagen.com/thought-leadership/blog |archive-date=26 November 2021 |access-date=26 November 2021 |website=www.ideagen.com}}

Diageo operates many whisky distilleries in Scotland and around the world:{{Cite web |title=Diageo {{!}} Scotch Whisky |url=https://scotchwhisky.com/whiskypedia/2624/diageo/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=scotchwhisky.com |language=en-GB}}

{{div-col}}

• Auchroisk distillery
• Benrinnes distillery
• Blair Athol distillery
• Brora distillery
• Caol Ila distillery
• Cardhu distillery
• Clynelish distillery
• Cragganmore distillery
• Dailuaine distillery
• Dalwhinnie distillery
• Dufftown distillery
• Glendullan distillery
• Glen Elgin distillery
• Glenkinchie distillery
• Glen Ord distillery
• Glen Spey distillery
• Inchgower distillery
• Knockando distillery
• Lagavulin distillery
• Leven distillery
• Linkwood distillery
• Mannochmore distillery
• Mortlach distillery
• Oban distillery
• Port Ellen distillery
• Roseisle distillery
• Royal Lochnagar distillery
• Strathmill distillery
• Talisker distillery
• Teaninich distillery

{{div-col-end}}

• Cameronbridge grain distillery
• North British grain distillery

• Roe & Co distillery

• Bulleit distillery
• George Dickel distillery

Diageo's beverage brands include:{{cite web |title=Our Brands |url=https://www.diageo.com/en/our-brands/brand-explorer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012042535/https://www.diageo.com/en/our-brands/brand-explorer |archive-date=12 October 2023 |access-date=24 January 2019 |website=Diageo Plc}}

• Scotch whisky:
• Single malt Scotch whisky: Auchroisk, Benrinnes, Blair Athol, Brora, Caol Ila, Cardhu, Clynelish, Cragganmore, Dailuaine, Dalwhinnie, Dufftown, Glendullan, Glen Elgin, Glenkinchie, Glen Ord, Glen Spey, Inchgower, Knockando, Lagavulin, Linkwood, Mannochmore, Mortlach, Oban, Port Ellen, Roseisle, Royal Lochnagar, Singleton, Strathmill, Talisker, Teaninich.
• Blended Scotch whisky: Bell's, Black & White, Buchanan's, Haig, Johnnie Walker, J&B, Logan, Old Parr, Vat 69, White Horse.
• English whisky: The Oxford Artisan Distillery{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Georgie |date=2022-11-17 |title=Diageo invests in Oxford Artisan Distillery |url=https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2022/11/diageo-invests-in-oxford-artisan-distillery/ |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=The Spirits Business |language=en-US}}
• Irish whiskey: Roe & Co
• American whiskey: Bulleit, George Dickel, Seagram's Seven Crown, Balcones{{Cite web |last=Schrieberg |first=Felipe |title=Diageo Buys Texas' Balcones Distilling |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/felipeschrieberg/2022/11/03/diageo-buys-up-texas-balcones-distillery/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030112254/https://www.forbes.com/sites/felipeschrieberg/2022/11/03/diageo-buys-up-texas-balcones-distillery/ |archive-date=30 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Forbes |language=en}}
• Canadian whisky: Crown Royal
• Baijiu: Shui Jing Fang{{cite web |date=2013-07-23 |title=英ディアジオ 、中国の四川水井坊 持株会社を傘下に |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idJPL4N0FT1ZB20130723 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305152846/https://www.reuters.com/article/idJPL4N0FT1ZB20130723 |archive-date=5 March 2023 |accessdate=2023-03-05 |work=Reuters|language=ja}}
• Beer: Guinness, Guinness Black Lager, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Harp Lager, Hop House 13, Kilkenny, Smithwick's, Tusker{{Cite web |title=Diageo launches Rockshore lager – Drinks Industry Ireland |url=https://www.drinksindustryireland.ie/diageo-launches-rockshore-lager/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928185217/https://www.drinksindustryireland.ie/diageo-launches-rockshore-lager/ |archive-date=28 September 2022 |access-date=30 June 2022 |website=www.drinksindustryireland.ie}}
• Brandy: Cîroc VS
• Cachaça: Ypióca
• Cider: Rockshore Apple Cider{{cite web |date=11 March 2019 |title=Diageo unveils new cider to take on Bulmers |url=https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2019/03/diageo-unveils-new-cider-to-take-on-bulmers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630113932/https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2019/03/diageo-unveils-new-cider-to-take-on-bulmers/ |archive-date=30 June 2022 |access-date=30 June 2022}}
• Gin: Aviation Gin, Chase Gin, Gilbey's, Gordon's, Tanqueray
• Hard seltzer: Rockshore Hard seltzer{{Cite web |date=16 July 2021 |title=Diageo Launches Rockshore Hard Seltzer |url=https://www.checkout.ie/drinks/diageo-launches-rockshore-hard-seltzer-140183 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520064915/https://www.checkout.ie/drinks/diageo-launches-rockshore-hard-seltzer-140183 |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=30 June 2022 |website=Checkout}}
• Liqueur: Baileys, Pimm's, Sheridan's, Mr. Black, Venturo
• Mixed drinks: Smirnoff Cocktails
• Rakı: Altınbaş, Civan Rakı, İzmir Rakısı, Kulüp Rakı, Tayfa Rakı, Tekirdağ Rakısı, Yeni Rakı{{cite web |date=20 August 2021 |title=Rakı Brands manufactured by Mey Diageo |url=https://mey.com.tr/tr-tr/markalarimiz/Sayfalar/raki.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820161905/https://mey.com.tr/tr-tr/markalarimiz/Sayfalar/raki.aspx |archive-date=20 August 2021 |access-date=20 August 2021 |website=Mey Diageo website}}
• Rum: Bundaberg, Captain Morgan, Zacapa
• Tequila: 21 Seeds, Astral, Casamigos, DeLeón, Don Julio
• Vodka: Chase Vodka, Cîroc, Ketel One, Smirnoff
• Wine: Justerini & Brooks (produced by Diageo); Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot (all produced by Moët Hennessy, a joint venture between Diageo (34%) and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. (66%))
• Non-alcoholic spirits: Seedlip, Ritual Zero Proof, Tanqueray 0.0

In 2016, Diageo was ranked 11th out of 4,255 companies worldwide for diversity and inclusiveness in the Thomson Reuters Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Index.{{cite web |title=Diversity and Inclusion Index |url=https://financial.thomsonreuters.com/en/products/data-analytics/market-data/indices/diversity-index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706162051/https://financial.thomsonreuters.com/en/products/data-analytics/market-data/indices/diversity-index.html |archive-date=6 July 2018 |access-date=6 July 2018 |website=Thomson Reuters}}

In June 2023, the company's subsidiary, Mortlach distillery in Moray, Scotland, was awarded the "Whisky of the Year" prize in the annual International Whisky Competition for its Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice 1989 Mortlach single malt Scotch.{{cite web |date=17 June 2023 |title=The World's Best Single Malt Scotch—According To The 2023 International Whisky Competition |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradjaphe/2023/06/17/the-worlds-best-single-malt-scotch-according-to-the-2023-international-whisky-competition/?sh=3ac705d72e6e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619133253/https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradjaphe/2023/06/17/the-worlds-best-single-malt-scotch-according-to-the-2023-international-whisky-competition/?sh=3ac705d72e6e |archive-date=19 June 2023 |access-date=19 June 2023 |work=Forbes |quote=}}

In December 2003, Diageo provoked controversy over its decision to change its Cardhu brand Scotch whisky from a single malt to a blended malt whilst retaining the original name and bottle style. Diageo took this action because it did not have sufficient reserves to meet demand in the Spanish market, where Cardhu had been successful. After a meeting of producers, Diageo agreed to make changes.{{cite web |title=Whiskey packaging whips up controversy |url=http://www.beveragedaily.com/news/ng.asp?id=48233-whisky-packaging-whips |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829025227/http://www.beveragedaily.com/news/ng.asp?id=48233-whisky-packaging-whips |archive-date=29 August 2006 |access-date=5 December 2003 |website=Beverage Daily}} In 2006, the Cardhu brand changed back to being a single malt.{{cite web |title=Scottish Whisky: Cardhu |url=http://www.scotchwhisky.net/distilleries/cardhu.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127221422/http://scotchwhisky.net/distilleries/cardhu.htm |archive-date=27 November 2010 |access-date=18 April 2011 |website=Scotchwhisky.net}}

In May 2012, Scottish craft brewery BrewDog revealed that Diageo had threatened to withdraw funding from the British Institute of Innkeeping Scotland's annual awards if BrewDog was to be named winner of the Best Bar Operator award. Diageo was forced to issue an apology.{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Natalie |title=Scottish beer company BrewDog forces Diageo to apologise over 'dirty tricks' at awards |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9255369/Scottish-beer-company-BrewDog-forces-Diageo-to-apologise-over-dirty-tricks-at-awards.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9255369/Scottish-beer-company-BrewDog-forces-Diageo-to-apologise-over-dirty-tricks-at-awards.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |access-date=10 May 2012 |website=The Telegraph|date=9 May 2012 }}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |title=Statement regarding the 2012 BII Scotland Annual Awards |url=http://www.diageo.com/en-row/newsmedia/Pages/resource.aspx?resourceid=1263 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512223727/http://www.diageo.com/en-row/newsmedia/Pages/resource.aspx?resourceid=1263 |archive-date=12 May 2012 |access-date=9 May 2012 |website=Diageo Plc}}{{cite web |title=Diageo Screw BrewDog |url=http://www.brewdog.com/blog-article/diageo-v-brewdog |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511231254/http://www.brewdog.com/blog-article/diageo-v-brewdog |archive-date=11 May 2012 |access-date=9 May 2012 |website=BrewDog}}

In March 2015, Diageo released an advertising campaign showing a young woman crying after a night out, as an older woman, likely her mother, looks at her from the doorway, and the caption, "Who's following in your footsteps? Out of control drinking has consequences". The ad probably implied that the girl had been assaulted on the way home, as a result of her drinking that night. The director of Rape Crisis Network Ireland said Diageo "blames victims of sexual violence for the crimes that have been committed against them. This is a harmful, regressive and hurtful message which targets the vulnerable."{{cite web |title=Rape Crisis Network slams 'rape victim blaming' ads |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/rape-crisis-network-slams-rape-victim-blaming-ads-667305.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312163328/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/rape-crisis-network-slams-rape-victim-blaming-ads-667305.html |archive-date=12 March 2015 |access-date=12 March 2015 |website=Irish Examiner}}

File:JohnnieWalker2012.jpg for its controversial 2009 decision to close Johnnie Walker production in Kilmarnock, birthplace of the brand's founder and production hub since 1820.]]

In July 2009, Diageo announced that, after nearly 200 years of association with the town of Kilmarnock, Scotland, they would be closing the Johnnie Walker blending and bottling plant{{cite web |title=Diageo Bottling Plant Refurbishment |url=http://www.packaging-gateway.com/projects/diageobottling/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715032401/http://www.packaging-gateway.com/projects/diageobottling/ |archive-date=15 July 2011 |access-date=18 April 2011 |publisher=Packaging-gateway.com}} as part of a restructuring to the business, with work moved to Diageo's other two sites in Shieldhall and Leven.{{cite news |date=1 July 2019 |title=Whisky sour: The Johnnie Walker closure 10 years on |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-48828025 |access-date=26 July 2024 |newspaper=BBC News}} It would make 700 workers unemployed and caused outrage from the press, local people, and politicians. A campaign against the decision was launched by the local SNP MSP Willie Coffey and Labour MP Des Browne. A petition was drawn up against the plans, which also involved the closure of the historic Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow.{{cite web |title=Kilmarnock Town fights to protect their heritage |url=http://www.savejohnniewalker.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129045513/http://www.savejohnniewalker.org/ |archive-date=29 January 2011 |access-date=18 April 2011 |publisher=Savejohnniewalker.org}} The Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock closed its doors in March 2012 and the buildings were subsequently demolished a year later.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-17489529 |title=Johnnie Walker whisky plant closes in Kilmarnock |date=23 March 2012 |access-date=7 August 2012 |publisher=BBC News}}

In April 2011, the National Puerto Rican Coalition planned to run a series of ads in New York City and Puerto Rico urging a boycott of Diageo-owned alcoholic drinks to protest the corporation's production move of its Captain Morgan rum from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Virgin Islands,{{cite web |title=P.R. Coalition urges boycott of Diageo |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=amp5wXx35fkc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330185552/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=amp5wXx35fkc |archive-date=30 March 2012 |access-date=18 April 2011 |website=Prdailysun.com}} which will provide it with US$2.7 billion in tax benefits over 30 years.{{cite web |last1=Donmoyer |first1=Ryan J. |title=Bailout of U.S. Banks Gives British Rum a $2.7 Billion Benefit |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=amp5wXx35fkc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330185552/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=amp5wXx35fkc |archive-date=30 March 2012 |access-date=5 April 2011 |website=Bloomberg}}

In August 2011, Diageo agreed to pay more than US$16 million to settle U.S. civil regulatory charges that it made improper payments to foreign officials. Regulators accused the British company of violating the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act through its subsidiaries to obtain lucrative sales and tax benefits for its Johnnie Walker and Windsor Scotch whiskies and other brands.{{cite web |title=Diageo settles U.S. civil bribery charges |url=http://www.trust.org/trustlaw/news/diageo-settles-us-civil-bribery-charges/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831224932/http://www.trust.org/trustlaw/news/diageo-settles-us-civil-bribery-charges/ |archive-date=31 August 2011 |access-date=6 October 2014 |website=Web Archive |publisher=TrustLaw}}

In January 2020, Diageo agreed to pay US$5 million to settle charges brought by the US Securities and Exchange Commission that alleged the company had pressured distributors to buy products in excess of demand in order to hit performance goals.{{cite news |last=Sebastian |first=Dave |date=19 February 2020 |title=Diageo Reaches $5 Million Settlement With SEC on Sales-Boosting Charges |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/diageo-reaches-5-million-settlement-with-sec-on-sales-boosting-charges-11582132346/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625012855/https://www.wsj.com/articles/diageo-reaches-5-million-settlement-with-sec-on-sales-boosting-charges-11582132346/ |archive-date=25 June 2021 |access-date=21 February 2020 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}{{Cite web |title=Makers of Guinness fined $5m over US disclosure failures {{!}} Accountancy Daily |url=https://www.accountancydaily.co/makers-guinness-fined-5m-over-us-disclosure-failures |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018110655/https://www.accountancydaily.co/makers-guinness-fined-5m-over-us-disclosure-failures |archive-date=18 October 2023 |access-date=2020-03-03 |website=accountancydaily.co}}

{{Gallery

| align = center

| File:CR Gimli.jpg

| alt1=

| Diageo's Gimli Plant in Gimli, Manitoba, Canada, the global supply plant for Crown Royal (the top-selling Canadian whisky in United States{{cite web|url=http://listaka.com/top-12-best-selling-whiskey-brands-in-the-world/|title=Top 12 Best Selling Whiskey Brands in the World|work=Listaka|date=20 July 2015|access-date=20 March 2016}})

| File:Caol Ila distillery.jpg

| alt2=

| Caol Ila distillery on the Isle of Islay, Scotland

| File:Sterling Vineyards, Napa Valley, California.jpg

| alt3=

| Sterling Vineyards in Napa Valley, California

| File:Dublin - Guinness Storehouse - 20160507154437.jpg

| alt4=

| St James Gate Guinness Brewery in Dublin, Ireland

}}

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{{Irish whiskey}}

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