Jack_Daniels

Brown-Forman, a US-based wines and spirits business, has reported net sales of $3.6bn for the full year ended 30 April 2012, up by 6% or 9% on underlying basis, compared to 4% growth on underlying basis in fiscal 2011.

The growth was partly due to product innovation, launch of new products like Tennessee Honey and 12% growth in the sales of Jack Daniel’s trademark.

Reported operating income plunged from 20% in fiscal 2011 to 8% to $788m in fiscal 2012, but increased from 6% in 2011 to 9% in 2012 on underlying basis.

Diluted earnings per share were $3.56 for the full year ended 30 April 2012, compared to $3.90 in fiscal 2011.

Brown-Forman CEO Paul Varga said underlying net sales and operating income accelerated in fiscal 2012 to pre-2008 levels.

"We believe this is due to the strength of the Jack Daniel’s trademark and our portfolio of premium brands, our heightened focus on innovation, continued route-to-consumer investments, and the hard work and creativity of our people," Varga added.

"Our strong performance was broad-based, with each of our twelve largest markets growing net sales in fiscal 2012.

"While the economic backdrop remains uncertain, we expect that this strength in underlying sales will continue into fiscal 2013, with anticipated growth in the high single-digits."

With respect to regions, full year underlying net sales grew by 17% in the emerging markets, 8% in the developed countries except the US and 5% in the US.

Brown-Forman’s portfolio of brands includes Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Canadian Mist, Early Times, Old Forester, Korbel champagne and many more.

Image: Jack Daniel’s is a brand of sour mash Tennessee whiskey produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee by the Jack Daniel Distillery, owned by Brown-Forman. Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net