Beverage Company Analysis
Pernod Ricard. Not a name one thinks of when considering popular spirits. However, after research this is a company that owns over 10 major brands of spirits and wines. They hold an influential position in the world of beverages. The following analysis will review Pernod Ricard and explain how they came to be so successful. Pernod Richard started out as four small little companies located in France. All four were concerned with the production of absinthe at one point or another. Pernod began in 1805, significantly earlier than the other two companies that would initially make up the partnership. Pernod, “founded his distillery in … eastern France.” (Home n.d.) His name and product spread and brought him acclaim. 1926 is when Pernod’s company, “ ‘La Maison Pernod Fils’ merged with ‘Distillerie Hémard’, founded in Montreuil in 1871 by Ariste Hémard, and ‘Pernod Père et Fils’, founded in Avignon in 1872 by Jules-François Pernod.” (Home n.d.). Paul Ricard’s story is a more detailed. This man began his legacy in 1926 by learning the trade of his father: a wine merchant. He found his niche by experimenting with recipes to find a consistent and balanced form of absinthe. His product soared because he took advantage of the market at that time. All small bar owners were making their own absinthe but they produced a product that was inconsistent and ‘cloying[ly] sweet’. “Ricard is the no. 1 anise-based spirit in the world.” (Home n.d.). “In 1975, Paul Ricard and Jean Hémard joined forces in creating Pernod Ricard.” (Home n.d.).
Since the merger in 1975, the mission has been to, “… diversify their range of products and especially to capture new international markets.” (Home n.d.). Patrick Ricard, the son of Paul Ricard, made strides towards this goal. He acquired and spread the brand internationally over 34 years.
The company focuses on the ‘Top 14”, this list includes the 14 ‘strategic’ spirits and champagne brands. Absolut vodka and Chivas scotch whisky are
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< http://www.beverageworld.com/userfiles/documents/BB_Top_100.pdf >
"Home." Solid Performance in Line with Guidance. Pernod Ricard, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2013.
< http://pernod-ricard.com/6643/investors/financial-news/solid-performance-in-line-with-guidance >
"Pernod Ricard NV." PDRDF: Top Competitors and Peers. Morningstar.com, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2013. < http://financials.morningstar.com/competitors/industry-peer.action?t=PDRDF®ion=usa&culture=en-US >
Schmitt, Patrick. "Top Ten Trends of the Last Ten Years: 5. Premiumisation." The Drinks Business RSS. The Drinks Business, 30 July 2012. Web. 21 Nov. 2013. < http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2012/07/top-ten-trends-of-the-last-ten-years-5-premiumisation/ >