Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is a global spirits company that produces a wide variety of spirits, liqueurs, and other alcoholic products. It was formed in 1975 by the merger of two separate companies Pernod and Ricard. Pernod had been founded in 1805, and produced and sold Pernod Fils absinthe, one of the best known absinthe's of the day. Ricard was founded in 1932 by Paul Ricard, who successfully created the first absinthe substitute after the global ban of absinthe.
Brands
Note: listing of brands, and availability, is taken directly from the Pernod-Ricard and Pernod-Ricard-USA websites.
International Brands
- Absolut
- Ballantine's
- Beefeater
- Chivas Regal
- Havana Club (Not available in USA)
- Jameson
- Malibu
- Martell
- Mumm
- Perrier-Jouët
- Ricard
- Royal Salute
- The Glenlivet
Local Brands
- 100 Pipers
- ARARAT
- Blenders Pride
- Clan Campbell
- Imperial Blue
- Imperial
- J.P. Wiser's (Available in USA)
- Kahlúa (Available in USA)
- Olmeca Altos (Available in USA)
- Passport Scotch
- Pastis 51
- Ramazzotti
- Royal Stag
- Seagram’s Gin (Available in USA)
- Wyborowa
USA Brands
Note: These are the brands listed on Pernod-Ricard-USA, but not Pernod-Ricard
- Aberlour
- Avión
- Azteca de Oro
- Becherovka
- Hiram Walker
- Lillet
- Longmorn
- Midleton
- Pernod
- Pike Creek
- Plymouth
- Powers
- Presidente
- Redbreast
- Scapa
- Smithworks
- Soho Lychee Liqueur
History
The following was found on their main website, and is here just for a start. The details here need to be better presented and clarified.
1975
- Pernod Ricard is created from the merger of two French anise-based spirits companies: Pernod, founded in 1805, and Ricard, founded by Paul Ricard in 1932
1976
- The young company begins to diversify its portfolio which, thus far, mostly consists of anise-based aperitifs. They acquire la Compagnie Dubonnet-Cinzano (CDC) and Cusenier, which include Ambassadeur, Bartissol and Café de Paris brands
1978
- Spanish subsidiary created
- Patrick Ricard, son of Paul Ricard, takes over the company and dedicates more than 30 years of passion to it, transforming it from a French anise spirit producer to a global leader in Wine and Spirits
1985
- Acquisition of Italian bitter Ramazotti
1986
- First presence in Asia with the creation of Pernod Ricard Japan
1988
- Acquisition of Irish Distillers, the leading producer of Irish whiskey and owner of Jameson
1989
- Acquisition of Australian wine producer the Orlando Wyndham Group, which produces Jacob’s Creek
1990
- Creation of Pernod Ricard Hong Kong
1992
- Creation of Pernod Ricard Korea
1993
- Pernod Ricard and the Cuban company Cuba Ron create Havana Club International, a 50/50 joint venture to market Havana Club rum
1994
- Altaï Vodka is launched
1997
- Presence reinforced in Eastern Europe with a stake in Jan Becher, which includes the bitter Becherovka
1999
- Pernod Ricard acquires international rights to Polish vodka Wyborowa, as well as the Armenian Yerevan Brandy Company
2001
- 40% purchase of Seagram's business activity. Brands Chivas Regal, Martell and The Glenlivet join existing portfolio. Pernod Ricard doubles in size and moves into top three global Groups for Wine and Spirits
2003
- Entrance into France’s CAC 40 index
2004
- Acquisition of Framingham Winery in New Zealand
2005
- Acquisition of Allied Domecq in partnership with Fortune Brands. The Group once again doubles in size and becomes the world No.2 in Wine and Spirits by incorporating Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, amongst others
2008
- Acquisition for €5.7 billion of the Swedish group Vin & Sprit, owner of Absolut Vodka, making Pernod Ricard the world co-leader of the industry
2010
- "Asia and Rest of the world" become the Group's top region
2012
- Patrick Ricard passes away at age 67.
2013
- Pernod Ricard further develops its presence in Africa, opening subsidiaries in Ghana, Angola, Kenya, Namibie, Nigeria, Maroc and other countries
2014
- Pernod Ricard strengthens its brand portfolio by acquiring Kenwood, California Premium wine, and increasing its shareholding in Avión, Super Premium Tequila
2015
- Alexandre Ricard becomes Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard
2016
- In March 2016, Pernod Ricard purchases majority share of high-end German gin brand Monkey 47.
- In December, Pernod Ricard North America invest in West Virginia-based Smooth Ambler.
2017
- In June, Pernod Ricard announces partnership with Del Maguey Single Village mezcal.