HY1 Sales performance of FY 2009/10 in line with our expectations
Sales for the first half of Fiscal Year 2009/10 (ending 31/12/2009) have been in line with our expectations, with a circa 3% Net Sales organic* decline. This resulted from an improved second quarter with a 2% decline, after a 4% decline over the first quarter, on a still challenging comparison basis.
Product mix was positive with in particular a better performance by spirits compared to wines and champagne.
Asia showed a good performance over the first semester, with confirmed dynamism in China and India and first signs of recovery in South Korea and in Duty Free markets. Business remained difficult in Europe, with however a good resistance in France and an improving trend in Eastern Europe. In the Americas, our sales in the US have not yet benefited from the economic recovery while sales remained globally well oriented in the other countries of the region.

Our first half Fiscal Year 2009/10 sales allow us to confirm our guidance of between +1% to +3% organic* growth for our profit from recurring operations for the full year 2009/10.

Final and detailed results for first half Fiscal Year 2009/10 will be released on Thursday, 18 February 2010

* on a like-for-like basis



About Pernod Ricard
Created by the merger of Pernod and Ricard (1975), the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions. The acquisitions of Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and recently of Vin&Sprit (2008) have made the Group the world’s co-leader in Wines and Spirits with consolidated sales of € 7,203 million in 2008/09. Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: ABSOLUT Premium Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson’s Irish Whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek and Montana wines. The Group favours a decentralised organisation, with 6 Brand Owners and 70 Distribution Companies established in each key market, and employs a workforce of close to 19,000 people. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption of its products.
Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.


Contacts Pernod Ricard
Olivier CAVIL / Communication VP Tel: +33 (0)1 41 00 40 96
Florence TARON / Press Relations Manager Tel: +33 (0)1 41 00 40 88
Denis FIEVET / Financial Communication - Investor Relations VP
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 00 41 71