Pernod Ricard restructuring leads to some job losses at Irish Distillers

In August, Pernod Ricard Group announced a number of global organisational changes in an effort to grow the business’s profitability. 

Some jobs were lost at the Cork-based spirit supplier Irish Distillers following the restructuring of its owner Pernod Ricard Group.

In August, Pernod Ricard Group announced a number of global organisational changes in an effort to grow the business’s profitability.

“These changes are in support of a more simplified organisation and clear operating model across all affiliates, including Irish Distillers,” said a spokesperson from Irish Distillers.

“As part of this process, a very small number of roles were impacted at Irish Distillers,” they said.

The overall impact of the restructuring is understood to be minor the number of job losses as a result reached single digits at Irish Distillers, which owns Jameson whiskey and has around 800 staff.

The French spirits group Pernod Ricard said earlier this week that it is "continuously exploring options" for its business portfolio, after an Australian media report that it had mandated two banks to conduct a strategic review of its Australia and New Zealand wine business.

The Australian Financial Review reported that Pernod Ricard has mandated long-time advisers Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan with the review, which could lead to a sale process as early as next month.

The company’s Australian portfolio includes the Jacob’s Creek brand, along with St Hugo and George Wyndham. 

It also owns Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh in New Zealand, the paper said.

"Pernod Ricard regularly assesses and evaluates its strategic opportunities and is continuously exploring options, including divestments or the streamlining of some or part of individual business units," Pernod Ricard said in an emailed statement.

"This is a usual process in line with management’s mission of delivering value to shareholders, employees, clients and stakeholders. 

"Pernod Ricard nonetheless highlights that, at this stage, no decision has been made regarding any particular action,” it added.

Irish Distillers has a base in Cork, Dublin, and Belfast where it makes Powers, Jameson and Redbreast whiskeys. 

• Additional reporting by Reuters