Pernod Ricard sales down

Pernod Ricard, the French drinks giant that owns Irish Distillers, said full year sales fell 27% due to the strength of the euro and the sale of its non-drink operations.

The group is the world's third-largest spirits firm, selling Wild Turkey whiskey, liqueurs (Pernod, Ricard, Eoliki, Zoco), clear spirits (Altai vodka, Havana Club Cuban rum, Larios and Seagram's gin) and Scotch whisky (Clan Campbell, Chivas Regal).

In addition, Pernod Ricard offers Irish whiskey (Bushmills, Jameson), Martell cognac and Jacob's Creek wine.

Revenue fell to €3.53bn in 12 months to December 2003 from €4.84bn a year earlier, the company said this morning.

Pernod sold BWG, the owner of the Spar and Mace supermarket brand in Ireland in 2002 following its joint acquisition of the Seagram drinks portfolio.

The company reported organic growth of 8.1% to €3.42bn and sales of Jameson Irish whiskey rose 8% by volume last year.

Growth leader was the Asia/Pacific region, particularly China, Thailand, India and Taiwan, where sales increased by 18%.