Pernod Ricard claims it has further consolidated its grip on the
global wine and spirits market after winning the battle to purchase
Sweden-based Vin & Sprit (V&S), manufacturer of Absolut
vodka.
Spirit group Pernod Ricard is to sell off 14 sherry and brandy
labels, excluding its Domecq brand, as it continues to focus on
strong growth in the premium liquors segment.
Pernod Ricard has says it will purchase either Absolut
or Stolichnaya in its attempts to add an premium vodka label
to its portfolio, though it has not yet finalised any
acquisition plan.
Pernod Ricard, the world's second largest alcoholic drinks group,
said it expected net profits to grow by a fifth for its full year
following more strong performances from spirit brands.
A shift towards higher sales of premium products has helped
France's leading drinks group Pernod Ricard to post a 5.1 per cent
increase in net profits for 2004, shrugging off the impact of
exchange rate fluctuations.
Patrick Ricard, CEO of French wine and spirit group Pernod Ricard,
has said that there has been no material impact on the company's
business from the boycott of French goods in the US.
France has one of the worst drink driving records in Europe, and
the government has recently redoubled its efforts to get the
'designated driver' message across to consumers. Now the country's
leading wine and spirits...
With the sale of the Agros Fortuna fruit juice and canned food
business, Pernod Ricard's Polish business is now 100 per cent
focused on drinks - which was the reason why Agros was acquired in
the first place.
