Jameson sales boost Pernod Ricard profits

Drinks giant Pernod Ricard has announced that sales of Jameson whiskey rose by 11%, in the first nine months of the year.

Over sales of the company's wine and spirits rose by 6.4% in the period, to €2.375bn (excluding duties and taxes).

The group reported negative exchange rate effects of €73m (-3.2%), and a negative perimeter impact of €13m (-0.6%) following the disposal of “Crus et Domaines de France” and local brands in The Netherlands.

Wine and spirit sales surged 7.2% in the third quarter, due to increased demand in Asia.

Commenting on the results, boss Patrick Ricard stated: "I am very pleased with the excellent performance achieved in the third quarter. This will enable us to confirm our wine and spirits operating profit organic growth objective of between 8% and 10% for 2004."

Pernod Ricard's key brands are Jameson, Chivas Regal, Martell, Wild Turkey, Havana Club, Jacob's Creek, The Glenlivet, Clan Campbell, Amaro Ramazzotti, Seagram Gin, Ricard and Pastis 51.