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Pernod Ricard sales up 6%

Published:  23 July, 2008

Strong growth in premium brands responsible for sales increase.

All geographic regions contributed to annual growth:

Asia/rest of the world:

Asia / Rest of World: 1,884m: organic growth of (11.4%)

Over the full year, Martell and Ballantine's were the two main contributors to growth in Asia.

China witnessed outstanding growth by Martell and growth by the whole whisky portfolio in excess of 10% (Chivas Regal, Ballantine's and Royal Salute).

India continued its spectacular growth, for local brands (Royal Stag, Imperial Blue and Blenders Pride) as much as for imported whisky brands.

Thailand still remained a difficult market.

Australia and New Zealand are growing strongly, driven by Jacob's Creek and Montana as well as by international spirits brands, but were adversely affected by the decline of value wine sales (consumer price below US$3).

Except for Thailand, Asia continued to experience vigorous double-digit growth in the 4th quarter (10%).

Americas:

Americas: 1,786m saw organic growth of 11.6%.

North America (organic growth 9.6%)- growth remained very strong in the US, particularly in the 4th quarter. Jameson, The Glenlivet, Stolichnaya, Wild Turkey and Seagram's Gin continued to expand. Chivas Regal registered modest growth.

Wine brands such as Jacob's Creek, Campo Viejo, Montana, Perrier Jout and Mumm Napa enjoyed very strong growth, especially from the 2nd half-year.

Mexico confirmed the excellent growth by imported brands and the improved situation of local brandies Don Pedro and Presidente.

Central and South America (organic growth 20.3%).

Chivas Regal (Venezuela and Central America), Ballantine's (Brazil, Chile) and Havana Club (Chile, Cuba) are the major growth drivers for strategic brands.

Local brands such as Montilla (Brazil), Something Special (Venezuela) and Passport (Brazil) continued their strong development.

Europe:

Europe: 2,091m organic growth of 6.6%.

Over the full year, the business environment remained favourable in most European countries: Germany, Russia, Greece, Ireland and Poland. Italy and the UK stabilised.

Spirits such as Ballantine's (Germany, Eastern Europe), Beefeater (UK, Russia), Chivas Regal (Germany, Russia), Havana Club (Germany, Greece), Stolichnaya (UK, Greece) are some of the numerous highly dynamic brand/country combinations.

Montana wine and Perrier Jout champagne registered strong growth, while Mumm remained stable and Jacob's Creek remained adversely affected by continuing strong competition in the UK.

A slowdown was experienced in the 4th quarter due to high 3rd quarter sales in anticipation of price increases in the UK, Germany and Spain. Overall, Europe showed renewed vigour with strong and consistent growth in the 1st and 2nd half-years (between 6% and 7%).

France: 682m organic growth of 3.6%

Over the full fiscal year, Ricard sales increased by 4% in volume and 6% in value. IRI/ Infoscan Census 12-month panels confirmed this trend for Ricard at 3.7%. Pastis 51 also contributed to growth. All key brands performed well. The Ballantine's, Chivas Regal and Clan Campbell whiskies, the Havana Club and Wyborowa white spirits, as well as the Mumm and Perrier Jout champagne all registered growth.

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