Pernod Ricard Reports 4% Sales Growth Year-to-Date

Pernod Ricard announced on Thursday that its sales grew organically by 4% for the first nine months of fiscal year 2016/17, ending in late March. For the most recent quarter, ending March 31, 2017, organic growth stood at 3%.

The performance aligns with the company's full-year guidance, which forecasts organic growth in profit from recurring operations between 2% and 4%. Regionally, the Americas led growth with a 7% organic increase, driven by the United States' 5% rise. European sales saw a 4% increase, while Asia and the Rest of the World experienced more modest growth of 1%.

The company's "strategic international brands," including Jameson and Ballantine's, were a key driver of growth, increasing sales by 4%. Innovation accounted for a quarter of the top-line growth. Strategic local brands remained flat, while strategic wines grew by 7%.

The full-year forecast remains confirmed despite impacts from currency exchange rates and regulatory changes in certain markets, such as India. Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard, affirmed the company's strategy is consistent in an uncertain economic environment.