Pernod Ricard

Overview:

The many alcoholic beverages made by Pernod Ricard find their way to the thristy US consumer through Pernod Ricard USA, which operates five divisional sales offices throughout the US. The company sells a range of brown spirits, such as Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskys, Jameson Irish whiskey, Azteca de Oro Mexican brandy, and Martell cognac. Its other brands include Beefeater and Seagram’s gins, Jacob’s Creek wines, Kahlúa coffee liqueur, Malibu rum, the iconic premium vodka Absolut. And for a little bubbly, the company offers the champagnes G.H. Mumm and Perrier-Jouët.

To appease regulators following its parent’s 2008 acquisition of V&S, Pernod Ricard sold the Wild Turkey brand to Campari for about €440 million ($575 million). The deal, completed in 2009, also included Pernod Ricard USA’s Wild Turkey brand and distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. With the purchase of V&S, as well as the subsequent early termination of a contract with the now defunct Future Brands (then a joint venture between V&S and Beam Inc. (formerly Fortune Brands), Pernod Ricard USA became the US distributor of Absolut Vodka. It also took over US distribution of Plymouth Gin, Level Vodka, and Frïs Vodka, which had also been handled by Future Brands (now Beam Inc.).