Absolut reports 6% growth

Absolut Vodka, part of the Pernod Ricard group, has revealed that its annual sales value and volume grew by 6% during the period July 1 2010 to June 30 2011. 

The brand claims it sold more vodka than ever before, having produced 11m 9-litre cases during the period at its distillery in Åhus, in southern Sweden.

Philippe Guettat, chairman and CEO of The Absolut Company said: “Thanks to Pernod Ricard's strong distribution the brand has been able to rebound quickly as the economy has improved in emerging markets, and is now back at pre-recession growth.

In the US, the destination for 40% of all Absolut Vodka, volume growth was at 2%, while in the rest of the world the increase was 9%.

According to Absolut, it previously suffered in the US due to the recession and a "decline in consumer perception of the brand".

Guettat said: "The reignited growth in the US is due to Absolut Vodka regaining its strength as a brand and being true to its creative origins in its communication.

“In addition, we have managed to grow sales through a series of efforts, such as an improved route-to-market, pricing adjustments across states, a strong focus on innovation and a renewed focus on New York as key city, which was the birthplace of Absolut in the 1980s.”