SMIRNOFF(R) Vodka is the World's #1-Selling Premium Distilled Spirit

NORWALK, Conn., April 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diageo announced that SMIRNOFF(R) Vodka is the number one-selling premium distilled spirit in the world for the second year in a row (IMPACT, Volume 36, Nos. 5&6, March 1&15, 2006). Smirnoff rose above Bacardi, which previously held the top spot, in both sales volume and value.

James Thompson, Global President, Smirnoff, said, "We've known for a long time that Smirnoff's smooth, premium quality and crisp, classic taste make it one of the best vodkas out there." Thompson continued, "Now we know that Smirnoff is not only the number one-selling premium vodka in the world but also the best-selling premium distilled spirit. Smirnoff is a fantastic brand with unmatched mixability and is being enjoyed responsibly by consumers all around the world."

A panel of some of the industry's top food and wine experts rated Smirnoff as their "hands down favorite" vodka in a blind tasting of 21 world-class vodkas by The New York Times (Jan. 26, 2005, The New York Times). The Times panel voted Smirnoff found Smirnoff to be " ... clean and ultra-smooth, with pleasing texture and classic vodka aroma."

Thompson continued, "Smirnoff's success comes from the distinctive, high-quality product, its heritage, excellent advertising and new packaging that conveys Smirnoff's status as a world-class vodka."

Owned by Diageo, the industry leader in promoting responsible drinking, Smirnoff traces its heritage back to 19th century Russia, and was introduced in the United States in 1934. Smirnoff, described by Eric Asimov of The New York Times as containing "smooth neutrality and pleasing texture," was also recognized with a gold medal in the 2003 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Smirnoff has always been known for premium quality vodka. Today, Smirnoff is the world's leading premium distilled spirit and vodka brand, with distribution in 130 countries and a number of innovative products, including Smirnoff Ice, the world's leading flavored malt beverage, Smirnoff Ice Triple Black flavored malt beverage and Smirnoff Twist flavored vodkas. For more information about the Smirnoff brand, visit our website, http://www.smirnoff.com/ .

About Diageo

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/ .

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly. Website: http://www.diageo.com/ Contact: Rachel Rosenblatt Financial Dynamics Ph. 212-850-5697 rachel.rosenblatt@fd.com