Pernod Ricard reports first half sales jumped 17% organically (20% reported). Sales in the Americas were up 14%, and Pernod noted sales in the USA, Brazil and Travel Retail were especially strong. Europe posted the best growth for any region, up 21%, while Asia/Rest of World advanced 16%, led by China, Turkey and India.
All of the company’s strategic international brands sales showed growth, ranging from 51% for Perrier-Jouet to 2% for Ricard. In terms of volume, Royal Salute was up 40% and Havana Club was down 1%.
Profit from recurring operations rose 25% (reported) 22% organic, the company said, noting that in the Americas reported profit rose 30% and organic profit was up 24%.
“The execution of our Transform & Accelerate strategy is delivering an excellent and broad-based performance in the first half, with brand share gains in most countries and with all our Must-Win Markets showing very strong growth,” said Alexandre Ricard, chairman/CEO. “I take the opportunity to praise the engagement and performance of our teams throughout the world, who have relentlessly accomplished outstanding work, in an environment still largely disrupted on many fronts by the Covid crisis.
Despite the ongoing volatile environment, Ricard said he expects year-end FY 22 to show strong sales growth across regions, with continued On-Trade rebound, Off-trade resilience and a gradual Travel Retail recovery. “We will increase investments to fuel growth momentum,” he said.
We remain focused on executing our strategy, progressing on our Sustainability and Responsibility journey and accelerating our digital transformation. A successful mix of robust fundamentals, the dedication of our teams and our portfolio of brands, has yielded a very strong set of results and seen us through this crisis, emerging even stronger.”