French drinks major Rémy Cointreau has reported sales of €558m in the first six months of the financial year ended 30 September 2013, down by 6.3%, compared to €596m in the corresponding period last year.

The decrease in sales was primarily due to challenging economic environment in Europe and slowdown factors in China.

Group brand sales for the first half (H1) of 2013 were down 8.4% to €447.6m, compared to €488.4m a year ago.

Rémy Martin brand sales for the period decreased from €376.1m to €327.2m, a fall of 13%.

Liqueurs & Spirits sales were increased by 7.2% to €120.4m in H1 2013 from €112.3m in comparable period last year.

Sales of Partner brands were up by 2.8% to €110.5m in H1 this year, compared to €107.4m in the same period in 2012.

The company reported good growth in the US and the Americas region.

While the sales grew in Europe despite a challenging economic environment, in Asia, China was affected by the slowdown.

However, other Asian countries such as Japan and Indonesia reported good growth.

During the period, the company completed the sale of Larsen Cognac to the Finnish firm, Altia.

The sale included the brand, industrial and commercial assets, along with the inventories needed for the entity to operate as a going concern.