Jacob's Creek and Jameson head sales boost

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Jacob's Creek wine and Jameson Irish whiskey were named as two of the star performers in the UK when their owner revealed a jump in global...

Jacob's Creek wine and Jameson Irish whiskey were named as two of the star performers in the UK when their owner revealed a jump in global sales.

French-based drinks giant Pernod Ricard said the two brands performed particularly well in the British market, where its portfolio is handled by PR Brands UK.

The rises contributed to a 7.2 per cent jump in group sales to about £1.4bn in the first six months of 2001, with its wine and spirits increasing sales by 11. 7 per cent.

Its other brands include Havana Club rum, American whiskeys Bushmills and Wild Turkey, Altai vodka, Pernod and Campbell Distiller's whisky range.

Chairman Patrick Ricard said it expected to gain regulatory approval next month from the US and Canadian authorities for its deal to buy some of Seagram Drinks' brands.

Pernod Ricard and Diageo's Guinness UDV have agreed a takeover of the business and will split the brands portfolio between them.

Mr Ricard said: "Our 10 key brands are growing exceptionally well and our task now is to maintain that momentum following the acquisition of the Seagram brands."

Pernod Ricard is understood to want Martell cognac, Seagram's Gin and Chivas Regal and Glenlivet whiskies, while Diageo's Guinness UDV is believed to be after Myers's and Captain Morgan rums and Crown Royal Canadian whisky.

A dispute continues over Captain Morgan after Allied Domecq agreed a separate deal directly with the rum's producer.

According to press reports, Pernod Ricard has made it clear that it intends to sell other Seagram brands, such as Sandeman port and sherry, Four Roses bourbon and Passport scotch, within the year.

It has also agreed deals for Wyborowa and Zubrowka Polish vodkas, but these continue to be handled by Marblehead Brand Development in the UK.