Jameson and other premium brands drive up Pernod Ricard sales

Strong sales of premium brands, such as Jameson whiskey, in Asia and America boosted wine and spirits sales of Pernod Ricard to €3.4bn last year, up 2.1% over 2003.

The sales growth was partly offset by the adverse impact of forex movements and group perimeter changes amounting to €108m and €19m respectively, the company said today.

Spirits posted a 6.7% sales organic growth rate, thanks in particular to the performance of premium brands.

Sales of Jameson were up 10% , Glenlivet 9%, Amaro Ramazzotti 6% and Havana Club 7%, while sales of Jacob's Creek's progress was hindered by the deterioration of the Australian market in the fourth quarter.

The company said Ireland and Poland were both difficult markets in 2004, particularly for sales of vodka.