Marie Brizard sees sales soar in Q3

French producer Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits has reported double-digit growth for the third quarter of its 2022 financial year.

Reported growth was up by 18.9% in the three months to 30 September 2022, compared with the same period in 2021. Total sales reached €48.5 million (US$48.2m) during the third quarter (Q3) 2022.

In France specifically, Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits (MBWS) reported Q3 revenue rose by 14.7% versus the 2021 period.

For the nine months ending 30 September 2022, France posted €60.4m (US$60m) in revenue, up by 6.3% compared with 2021.

The company attributed the growth to the continued improvement in the on-trade during Q3, and ‘robust’ off-trade sales.

In France, the company noted a ‘declining market’ for blended whiskies aged under 12 years, which fell by 7.5% in the first nine months of the year.

However, MBWS said William Peel maintained its sales volumes compared with the first nine months of last year due to competitive positioning and the new listing secured in the second half of 2021.

International regions grow

The international cluster of markets also posted double-digit growth for the first nine months of 2022, growing by 12.8% to reach €74.6m (US$74.1m).

In Spain, the nine-month period delivered a 12.8% rise in revenue, while Scandinavia posted a 30.6% jump.

Gautier Cognac and Marie Brizard liqueurs gave the group a boost in Poland, particularly during the first two quarters, which offset a slowdown during Q3.

In the US, however, MBWS continued to be affected by the ‘highly competitive’ vodka market. Marie Brizard and Gautier did grow in this market, the group noted.

Local brands also helped MBWS grow in Brazil during Q3, while the company sustained its performance in Asia Pacific during Q3.

Looking to the future, MBWS noted: “Ongoing increases in raw material prices, surging energy costs and continued volatility in supplier production availability are factors we have already mentioned that must be taken into account when assessing the level and performance of the group’s business activities.

“If they continue, these adverse factors could have an impact on the group’s ability to supply all of its customers (in France and abroad) and on potential flexibility in consumer demand upset by sharp price rises.

“Despite the level of business growth since the start of the year, the prevailing situation obliges the group to continue to proactively adapt pricing policies with customers. The group will therefore continue to adopt a prudent stance with regard to its business level over the coming months, usually an important period as the year draws to a close, and perhaps also at the start of 2023.”