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Diageo

Diageo plc is a British multinational alcoholic beverage company headquartered in London, England.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Diageo plc is a British multinational alcoholic beverage company headquartered in London, England. Formed in 1997 through the merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan plc, it is one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of spirits and beer. Its brand portfolio includes Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, and Baileys.

History

Diageo was formed in 1997 through the merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan plc. Guinness’s earlier corporate history dates back to 1886, when Arthur Guinness Son and Company Limited was incorporated.

Operations

Diageo is a global beverage alcohol company with production, bottling, and distribution operations in many countries. Public sources describe it as operating in nearly 180 countries and maintaining more than 130 distilleries, breweries, and bottling plants worldwide.

Brands and products

Diageo’s portfolio spans spirits, beer, wine, and liqueurs. Its best-known brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray, and Don Julio.

Market position

The company is widely described as one of the world’s largest alcohol producers and a global leader in beverage alcohol. It is especially prominent in Scotch whisky and premium spirits.

Key facts

  • Diageo was created in 1997 from the merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan plc.
  • It is headquartered in London, England.
  • The company is a major producer and distributor of alcoholic beverages, especially spirits and beer.
  • Its brand portfolio includes Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray, and Don Julio.
  • Diageo operates in nearly 180 countries and has manufacturing sites worldwide.
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Canadian context

Diageo sells products in Canada and owns Crown Royal, a Canadian whisky brand, which is one of its well-known North American labels.[2][12][13]

Frequently asked questions

What is Diageo?
Diageo is a British multinational alcoholic beverage company that produces and distributes spirits, beer, wine, and liqueurs.
When was Diageo founded?
Diageo was formed in 1997 through the merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan plc.
Where is Diageo headquartered?
Diageo is headquartered in London, England, United Kingdom.
What brands does Diageo own?
Its brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray, and Don Julio.
Is Diageo a public company?
Yes. Diageo plc is a public limited company and its shares are listed in London and New York.
What is Diageo known for?
It is known as one of the world’s largest producers of alcoholic beverages, especially Scotch whisky and premium spirits.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diageo
    Supports: Headquarters, formation from merger, operations, and major brands
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/money/Diageo-PLC
    Supports: Company overview, brands, global operations, merger history
  3. Diageo plchttps://www.diageo.com/~/media/Files/D/Diageo-V2/Diageo-Corp/investors/results-reports-and-events/reports/2017/176_diageo-2017-20-f.pdf
    Supports: Corporate status, incorporation history, company description
  4. Forbeshttps://www.forbes.com/companies/diageo/
    Supports: Headquarters, brands, business segments
  5. Diageo plchttps://www.diageo.com/~/media/Files/D/Diageo-V2/Diageo-Corp/investors/results-reports-and-events/reports/2014/15_2014_strategic_report.pdf
    Supports: Global beverage alcohol description
  6. Diageo plchttps://media.diageo.com/diageo-corporate-media/media/s3lbwp31/57_fact_sheet_final.pdf
    Supports: Country reach, listing venues, workforce, manufacturing locations, merger origin