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Mezcal ‘in the pipeline’ for Pernod
French drinks group Pernod Ricard has a mezcal product “in the pipeline”, a spokesperson has confirmed.
Pernod Ricard has a mezcal product “in the pipeline”
The Spirits Business understands the multi-national drinks firm is looking to build a brand from scratch, led by a Mexico-based team.
Further news on the launch will follow in “weeks not months”, the spokesperson added.
According to Euromonitor figures, mezcal is one of the fastest growing categories in the US. Between 2010 and 2015, Tequila and mezcal grew 30% by volume in the market – more than any other alcohol category bar Cognac – and faster than the global average, which sits at 22%.
As interest in Mexican heritage grows, the Tequila and mezcal industry in the US is pipped to grow 17% between 2015 and 2020, the analyst added.
In addition, Nielsen named mezcal as one of the “star performers” in the US on-trade for the 52 weeks to mid-July 2016.
Speaking at a Pernod Ricard media roundtable last month, finance head Gilles Bogaert said the group would consider acquiring a fast-growing premium spirits brand to pursue growth in China.
Pernod Ricard saw sales grow 2% on an organic basis to €8.68 billion (US$9.67bn) in its 2015/16 financial year, with profit from recurring operations also increased 2% to €2.27bn (US$2.53bn).