Pernod Ricard has reported interim half-year consolidated net sales to December 2006 of E.3.507m (+7.3%) before taxes and duties, reflecting a 12.5% organic growth.

The liquor giant recorded organic growth of 12.5% thanks to excellent performances in Asia/Rest of World and the Americas – which now represent 56% of net sales – and stronger growth in Europe and France. Wines were down 1.1%, as growth by the original Allied Domecq brands, notably Perrier-Jou?t and Montana, was offset by the decline of Australian wine brands.
Over the 2006/2007 1st half-year, the 15 strategic brands grew by 9% in volume and 14% in value (organic growth*). All brands reported strong growth: Stolichnaya (+29%), Ballantine?s (+22%), Martell (+17%), Malibu (+10%), Havana Club (+14%), Beefeater (+13%) and Jameson (+11%).
The company added that the strength of luxury and prestige brands should be highlighted, in particular The Glenlivet 15yo (+61%), Ballantine?s 21yo (+37%), Perrier-Jou?t Belle Epoque (+51%), Chivas 18yo (+32%), Martell Cordon Bleu (+37%) and Royal Salute (+16%).
Over the 2nd quarter alone, consolidated net sales increased by 6.1% to E. 2.051m, representing organic growth of 12.4%; group structure and foreign exchange having adverse impacts of (2.8%) and (3.2%), respectively.