In its financial report, Pernod says sales were “very strong”, with growth coming from the following markets:

• Americas +6%, with US now growing in line with market and acceleration in Mexico and Brazil 

• Asia-Rest of World +9%, thanks to return of strong growth in China and India 

• Europe +2% with good momentum in Eastern Europe, Germany and UK but difficulties in France and Spain 

• Travel retail “in good growth, across all regions, thanks in part to new organisation, leading to value market share gains”.

Alexandre Ricard, chairman and CEO said: “FY18 was a very strong year. Consistent strategic implementation has enabled us to deliver a significant improvement in business performance while investing for the future.

“Our sales have accelerated and diversified, and our margins improved. In FY19, in a still uncertain geopolitical and monetary environment, we will continue consistently implementing our strategy.

“Our guidance for FY19 is organic growth in profit from recurring operations between +5% and +7%.”

In terms of brands, the Pernod Ricard financial reports says the following:

• Strategic international brands +7% with 11 out of 13 in growth
• Martell +14% and Jameson +14% 

• Scotch portfolio +3% after a stable 2017 with a return to growth of Chivas at +5%.

• Absolut +2%, thanks to success outside of US (+6%) while US is still in decline.
• Seagram’s Indian whiskies +13%