Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh told the Sunday Tribune that the new "surger" technology would initially be used in countries such as Japan and China, where it is almost impossible to install draught equipment in bars and to ensure the lines are always kept clean.

But if the surger device proves to be a hit, it could eventually become available in Ireland and Britain for home use.

"We're working around something in certain markets that we call surger technology that will give you exactly the same [taste] profile" as draught Guinness, according to Walsh.

Diageo has developed a special version of bottled Guinness that is poured into a glass placed on the surger device.

"It's about the size of a saucer and it has a source of electricity, " Walsh explains.

The barman presses a button and ultrasound waves are generated that make the stout surge. "It's just like a draught product, " he claims.

The Diageo boss said that while the surger technology works perfectly, and is being tested in a number of markets, it has yet to be fully commercialised.

With this new device, the drinks group intends to improve the quality of its Guinness product in far-flung locations, and in turn boost its export sales from Ireland.

"If the first time a Chinese or Japanese or Russian consumer drinks Guinness it's a bad experience, then that's put him off for life. We have to find a way that small outlets don't have line problems or aged product and the surger is a way to get around that."

Meanwhile, Walsh confirmed that despite new developments, such as the new Guinness Mid-Strength stout, sales of Guinness in Ireland and Britain are likely to continue to decline in the coming years.

Diageo expects that this lost business will be more than replaced by increased exports to countries such as the United States, China, Russia and Japan.

In Ireland, Walsh said, the smoking ban had hit volume in the pub trade and Guinness had lost out in the pickup on home consumption.