Beam has reported an increase in operating income by 488.4% with earnings of $162.4m for the third quarter (Q3) ended 30 September 2012, up from $27.6m during the same period last year.

Reported net sales for the third quarter were $627.5m, up 8.3%, compared to net sales of $579.2m in the third quarter of 2011.

On comparable basis, net sales for the latest three months period was up by 4%, as against the 2011 Q3 figures.

Comparable sales growth was primarily due to innovations that improved product mix, higher pricing, increased volumes and strong growth for the global power brands in core markets.

Gross profit for the company increased from $335.8m in Q3 2011 to $371.5m in the latest quarter, an increase of 10.6%.

Beam president and CEO Matt Shattock said the company is creating value with a stronger brand portfolio, a stronger industry position and stronger earnings growth.

"With momentum from our investments in brand building, enhanced routes to market that leverage our broad brand portfolio, and synergy-driven acquisitions, we’ve exceeded our long-term goal over the past year by increasing sales at approximately twice the growth rate of our global market footprint," Shattock added.

"The sustained rapid growth of the global Bourbon category, excellent consumer response to our innovations and high-impact marketing, and timing of expenses helped drive upside to our expectations. Our newly acquired Pinnacle Vodka grew 23% in its first full quarter, and market outperformance in our EMEA and APSA segments further supported our results."