Pernod Prospers from India's Continuing Taste for Whisky

Pernod Ricard has reported strong results in its third quarter, helped, in no small measure, by sales of whisky brands in India.

Asia/Rest of the World was the strongest performing region for Pernod. In addition to India’s 29% growth, the spirits giant enjoyed 15% growth in China and spectacular 75% growth in Vietnam. In contrast, Europe (excluding France) suffered a 12% decline, despite a rebound for international brands in Russia. In France, a good performance in the off-trade, meant that it recorded a ‘resilient’ organic growth of 1%. The Americas performed slightly better – notching up 3% organic growth, helped by an increase in sales in Mexico and stabilisation, combined with good premium brands sales in the USA.

Overall, Pernod’s third quarter for 2009/10 enjoyed a ‘marked upturn’ of 14%, compared to the previous year, in consolidated sales to B1,538 million. The company’s 15 strategic brands grew 21% over the quarter, with Martell being the best performing brand. Of the 30 key local brands it was the vitality of the India whisky brands which was the outstanding feature, with Imperial Blue notching up 30% growth.

Pernod’s board of directors met in Paris on 28th April to examine the third quarter results. The meeting was chaired by Patrick Ricard. Pierre Pringuet, Chief Executive Officer of Pernod, said that the company was increasing its guidance for the 2009/10 financial year to 3%, in terms of organic growth, from recurring operations.

06 May 2010