Diageo's US sales - which accounts for about a third of the company's business - increased 6% for the year ending June 30, marking an acceleration of growth compared to the 3% increase from the previous year. "I think it's fair to say that we are encouraged by the trends in North America," said ceo Paul Walsh. "The categories are healthy and as you can see versus category growth, our sales growth in North America are attractive. So we are gaining a bit of share on the back of that."