Malibu is one of Allied Domecq's top brands

The owner of Courvoisier cognac and Beefeater gin said full-year pre-tax profits before exceptional items rose 6% to �521m ($942.6m).

Strong US sales helped to offset tougher trading in markets such as South Korea, France and Germany.

Sales volumes of core spirits brands rose by 8%, with Malibu and Sauza among its fastest-growing products.

ALLIED DOMECQ BRANDS Ballantine's whisky Beefeater gin Canadian Club whisky Courvoisier cognac Malibu rum Sauza tequila Tia Maria liqueur See Allied Domecq's share price

The firm said it had continued to grow its market share in the US, with volumes up by 5%.

In Europe, the company saw sales recover in Spain, and reported a good performance in the UK and Central and Eastern Europe.

However, the firm encountered "tougher trading conditions" in France and Germany where slower economic growth hit consumer spending.

Its quick-service restaurants business - which includes Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlours - had an "excellent" year, Allied Domecq said, with profits up 21% at �86m.