Pernod Ricard first quarter sales fall less-than-expected, cautious optimism on China

October 15, 2026 1:35 AM EDT

A logo is seen on a bottle of the Ricard aniseed-flavoured beverage displayed during French drinks maker Pernod Ricard news conference to announce the company annual results in Paris, France, August 29, 2018. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

PARIS, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Pernod ‌Ricard on ​Thursday ​reported a smaller-than- expected 0.9% drop in sales for the first quarter of its 2027 fiscal year, impacted ‌by weak demand and de-stocking in China and the ⁠United States although demand in India was strong.

Pernod, the world's second-largest spirits ‌maker after Diageo, said ‌underlying trends in China were improving, confirming its cautious optimism ahead of the Chinese Mid-Autumn festival.

Pernod also reiterated a forecast ​for broadly stable net sales in the current fiscal year started on July 1.

• The maker of Martell cognac and ⁠Absolut vodka, which held unsuccessful merger talks with Jack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman earlier this ​year, reported Q1 sales of 2.234 billion euros ($2.51 billion), an organic decline of 0.9% against estimates of ​a 1.7% decline in a company-compiled ‌poll of analysts.

• Sales fell 10% in the United States and 25% in China but rose ⁠19 in India in the first quarter.

• In India the group has said it was taking preparatory steps to a potential IPO. It ⁠reiterated the decision to proceed to an IPO remains subject to board ​approval.

• Pernod also said it will strongly defend its organic operating margin supported by strict cost control.

• Pernod also reiterated it expects sales growth ‌at the lower end of its 3% to 6% target range through 2029, underscoring the prolonged ‌downturn facing global spirits makers.

• Spirits makers across the industry are ⁠grappling with a multi-year sales ‌downturn that has ​eroded valuations, triggered management changes and prompted asset sales and cost-cutting.

($1 = 0.8917 euros)

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon;Editing by ‌Sudip Kar-Gupta)



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