French producers of alcohol sales in Asia increased by 11%

French producers of alcohol sales in Asia increased by 11%

Net profit company Pernod Ricard SA for the period of 6 months, which ended December 31, 2007, reached 588 million euros (888 million dollars) as compared to the previous year, which amounted to 500 million euros. As the owner of brands Perrier-Jouet champagne, the operating profit for the year will increase by 12%.

Sales in the company's Asia brands, including Ballantine's whisky rose by 11%, thus offsetting the decline in America, where revenues fell by 1.4%. Operating profit in the first half rose by 15% to 966 million euros. "We have been able to increase profits through the growth of sales worldwide, as well as higher prices," - said marketing director Pierre Pringuet.

Since the beginning of 2008 marked by strong performance in Western Europe and in particular in eastern Europe, the company president said. Moreover, he added that sales in Asia had been better than ever, reports Bloomberg.

Marketing costs increased by 15% to 623 million euros, because the company is expanding the promotion of its 15 key brands in the fastest growing markets such as Russia and China.