French spirits group Remy Cointreau first-half profit falls on China sales

French spirits group Remy Cointreau posted a 7.3% fall in first-half like-for-like operating profit yesterday, blaming soft demand for its premium cognac in China.

The maker of Remy Martin cognac, Cointreau liqueur, and Mount Gay Rum enjoyed robust demand in the US, its top market.

It kept its forecast for positive growth in current operating profit at constant exchange rates in the 2015/2016 full year, excluding acquisitions and divestments.