Paris, 26 October 2006 – Organic growth* was +5.6% (+5.1%** excluding bulk spirits sales). The effect of the change in Group structure, which included the impact of July 2006 of Allied Domecq and brands disposed of (Larios, Bushmills, Glen Grant …) accounted for +5.8%. However, foreign exchange had an adverse impact of 1.8%. Spirit operations recorded organic growth* of +7.3%**, due to good performance in Asia/Rest of World and Europe. Wine operations fell by 4.7%, primarily in the UK and US, and this in spite of growth in Australia and New Zealand. All 15 strategic brands continued to enjoy powerful growth of +7% in value (+2% in volume), driven by brand premiumisation and a favourable brand/market mix. Excellent sales growth performance by Ballantine’s (+27%), Stolichnaya (+25%), Martell (+22%), Jameson (+14%), Beefeater (+14%) and Malibu (+10%) offset the decline of Chivas Regal (-6%), resulting mainly from the postponement of promotional activities (USA, Spain and China). A number of key or regional brands (Seagram’s Gin, Amaro Ramazzotti, Royal Salute, Olmeca and Royal Stag) also experienced satisfactory growth. Organic growth* in sales for the 1st quarter was affected by a number of factors and thus does not fully reflect the group’s underlying performance:
Analysis of sales by geographic region:
Organic growth* by the Asia/Rest of World region remained dynamic at +10,0%. Leading growth drivers over the quarter were Ballantine’s and Martell in Chinese Asia, as well as Royal Stag whisky in India. However, 100 Pipers whisky experienced a sharp decline in Thailand (sales down 29%, increase in duties and the political situation). Chivas Regal growth was slowed down over the quarter by the postponement of the “Mid Autumn Festival” promotions in China.
Organic growth* for the whole Americas region amounted to +1.7%**.
1st quarter organic growth* was +4.6%**.
France recorded organic growth* of +0.6%.
Commenting on the 1st quarter, Patrick Ricard declared: “The first quarter performance demonstrates to the vitality of Group operations. The positive indications in numerous markets for the second quarter and the delivery of new communication platforms in the coming months for the recently acquired brands enable me to confirm our 2006/2007 growth guidance” (net sales organic growth at the upper end of the 4% to 6% range, combined with strong double-digit growth in Group net profit, excluding impact of foreign exchange). * Measured over August and September for Allied Domecq brands and over 3 months for the original group structure Shareholders’ agenda Access the appendices (pdf) |










