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Pernod Ricard Managing Director Pierre Pringuet announced “excellent organic growth” |
FRANCE. Pernod Ricard yesterday announced 2006/07 interim consolidated net sales of €3,507 million for 1 July to 31 December, representing a year-on-year increase of +7.3% and, organically, +9.7%
Spirits recorded organic growth of +12.5%, thanks to strong performances in Asia/Rest of World and Americas – which now represent 56% of net sales – as well as a much improved showing in Europe.
Wines were down -1.1%, as growth by the original Allied Domecq brands, notably Perrier-Jouët and Montana, was offset by the decline of Australian wine brands.
The French spirits company noted that foreign exchange factors, largely related to the US dollar, had a -2.7% impact .
Speaking at the group’s Beefeater distillery in London, Pernod Ricard Managing Director Pierre Pringuet said: “In Europe, the new security measures had an impact on duty free sales, but seemingly, the agreement reached over sealed bags has gradually overcome the problems, all in all. Duty free remains a wonderful channel to sell these premium and ultra-premium brands.”
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| Pernod Ricard UK CEO Jean-Manuel Spriet and Pernod Ricard Managing Director Pierre Pringuet at yesterday’s official H2 sales announcement at the Beefeater distillery in London Photos: Michael Fryer | |
Over the first half-year, Pernod’s 15 strategic brands grew organically by +9% in volume and +14% in value. All brands reported strong growth: Stolichnaya (+29%), Ballantine’s (+22%), Martell (+17%), Malibu (+10%), Havana Club (+14%), Beefeater (+13%), Jameson (+11%).
The group highlighted the strength of luxury and prestige brands, in particular The Glenlivet 15 years (+61%), Ballantine’s 21 years (+37%), Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque (+51%), Chivas 18 years (+32%), Martell Cordon Bleu (+37%) and Royal Salute (+16%).
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Christian Porta: “a very good six months” for duty free |
Over the second quarter consolidated net sales increased by +6.1% to €2,051 million, representing organic growth of +12.4%.
Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO Christian Porta told The Moodie Report: “A large proportion of the growth has come from the duty free market, where we’ve had a very good six months. All our strategic brands are growing. Business has picked up quite well after the events of 10 August [UK terror alert and subsequent aviation security crisis]. London and Paris airports have perhaps seen sales affected, but global duty free business has been excellent for most of our brands.”
MORE STORIES ON PERNOD RICARD
Havana Club opens new distillery and targets sales of 5 million cases – 10/01/07
Jameson: a compelling Irish success story – 03/01/07
