PERNOD SEES GROWTH IN THE U.S

Jameson Irish whiskey and Chivas Regal Scotch saw double-digit sales growth last year, Pernod announced today in its 2005-2006 annual results. Pernod saw underlying operating profit jump 72% to $1.6 billion for the year to 30 June. Revenues increased 68%, helped by contributions from brands formerly owned by Allied Domecq. Pernod said its “original” brands saw sales rise 4.3% on an organic basis. Chivas volume sales fell, however, in the U.S. to almost 4% despite its popularity worldwide.

Asia and the Americas helped push growth to account for 54% of Pernod’s profits, which was helped by the Allied acquisition. The company says the “successful” integration of Allied – which brought Mumm Champagne and Kahlua liqueur – was done at a lower cost than expected

Pernod seems confident of the future and forecasts organic sales growth of 4-6% and “strong double-digit growth” in net profit.