Diageo PLC operates within the consumer staples sector, specifically in the premium alcoholic beverages subsector, and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The company’s current structure stems from the merger between Grand Metropolitan and Guinness PLC, forming an organization focused on the development, production and global distribution of spirits, beer and ready-to-drink beverages. Its initial motivations were associated with consolidating multinational operations and strengthening legacy brands through production standardization and portfolio expansion.
The portfolio comprises categories such as whisky, vodka, gin, tequila, liqueurs and international beer, including brands such as Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff and Tanqueray. Operations also include distributor support services, brand management and the development of premium beverage innovation to meet markets with high regulatory requirements and strict quality standards.
Operational presence is global, covering Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Caribbean. Activities include manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Mexico, India, Nigeria and Brazil, as well as corporate and logistics centers located in strategic regions for export and trade.
Market factors influencing performance include alcoholic beverage regulations, shifts in consumption patterns, competition with global beverage multinationals, agricultural input costs, tax policies and investments in global marketing. Sector dynamics include the expansion of premium brands, growth of ready-to-drink categories and the development of sustainable industrial practices.
Operational scale involves millions of consumers served through global distribution networks, hundreds of production sites and bottling centers, along with commercial operations, regional offices and innovation hubs positioned in priority markets.
The operational structure follows an integrated model encompassing manufacturing, bottling, global logistics and brand management. Headquarters are located in London, supported by subsidiaries across multiple continents responsible for sales, marketing and industrial operations. Internal divisions include distilled spirits, international beer, ready-to-drink beverages and regional operations, structured to meet specific consumer profiles.
The registered trading ticker is DGE, listed exclusively on the London Stock Exchange.
History and Foundation
Established in 1997 in London, Diageo PLC was formed through the merger of Grand Metropolitan and Guinness PLC, consolidating assets in spirits, beer and food products.
The early years involved operational integration, consolidation of historic brands and redefinition of global portfolios, as well as adjustments to production structures and regulatory alignment across multiple countries. Initial achievements included industrial scale gains and the expansion of premium brand distribution.
Growth progressed through entry into emerging markets, expanded operations in Latin America, Africa and Asia, incorporation of new brands and increased investment in innovation, automation and sustainability. Geographic diversification strengthened global presence and enhanced resilience to consumption cycles.
Key historical milestones include strategic acquisitions such as the purchase of United Spirits Limited in 2014, expansion of tequila and gin portfolios, and investments in premium segments and the reinforcement of global supply chains.
From 2020 to 2024, the company experienced impacts from shifts in global consumption, adjustments to production capacity, growth in digital channels, adoption of new sustainability practices, currency fluctuations and strategic reorganization across key markets—factors that influenced operational performance and share behavior over the period.
Additional Information
The Company Diageo PLC (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 51.15 Billions, having an equity of $ 13.18 Billions.
With a total of 18.200 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Basic Consumer Products and categorized in industry of Drinks.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 43.43 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 6.81 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 7.51, a P/BV ratio of 3.88 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of DEO was at 1.76%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker DEO.