Pernod reports sales increase

Pernod Ricard has reported a sales increase of 13% to €4.28 billion in its half year results.

The group’s financial statement, which pertained to business from July 1-December 31 of 2010, also revealed that 7% of sales growth was organic.

Pernod’s 14 strategic spirits and champagne brands grew 8% in volume and 13% in value. Martel, Perrier Jouet, Royal Salute, Chivas Regal, Jameson, Ballantine’s, The Glenlivet and Havana Club all enjoyed double-digit growth.

The company’s four priority wine brands posted volume and sales growth of 3% - the first return to volume growth since the first half of 2007/8.

Pernod also revealed that advertising and promotion spend for the half year was up 11% to €765m.