Pernod Ricard has reported 7% increase in sales to €8,215m for the 2011/12 financial year, driven by growth in emerging as well as mature markets, and a positive foreign exchange effect.

A group structure effect of -1%, primarily due to the disposal of certain Spanish and New Zealand activities in 2010/11 and certain Canadian activities in 2011/12, also contributed to the sales growth.

Americas reported +6% growth mainly due to Jameson Irish Whiskey and improved performance of Absolut Vodka in the second half of the year.

Due to the reorganisation of the subsidiary, Mexico posted 12% decline.

Eastern Europe reported 16% increase, while sales in Western Europe declined by 1%.

China, India, Vietnam, Taiwan and Travel Retail are largely responsible for the 15% growth witnessed by Asia/Rest of World, followed by Africa/Middle East.

Pernod Ricard CEO Pierre Pringuet said, "Throughout the 2011/12 financial year, the Group recognised its best growth rates since the 2008 crisis, be it for the top or bottom line. This is the result of a clear and constant strategy: substantial investments in our brands, innovation, premiumisation and geographic expansion."

Top 14 volumes grew 3% to 47.2 million 9l-cases, as did eight of its constituent brands: Absolut (3%), Chivas (7%), Jameson (15%), Malibu (6%), Beefeater (6%), Martell (10%), The Glenlivet (15%), and Royal Salute (20%).

Six of the top 14 brands – Martell, Royal Salute, TheGlenlivet, Jameson, Perrier Joue¨t and Chivas – have reported double digit growths in value terms.

However, Ricard declined by 3% as the aniseed category in France was severely affected by the excise duty hike.

Priority premium wine volumes rose 2%, with Campo Viejo, Graffigna, Brancott Estate, offsetting the moderate decline of Jacob’s Creek.

Profit from recurring operations increased 9% to €2,114m, along with a significant rise in the operating margin because of premiumisation, continued sustained advertising and promotion expenditure and targeted organisational reinforcement on sales forces of the most buoyant markets (BRICs in particular), besides a favourable forex impact.