Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard, a French multinational beverage company, was established in 1975 through the merger of two previously competing French companies: Pernod and Ricard. The roots of Pernod trace back to 1797 when Henri-Louis Pernod opened an absinthe distillery in Switzerland, later founding Maison Pernod Fils in France in 1805. Ricard was founded in 1932 by Paul Ricard in Marseille, known for his refined anise-flavored pastis. The 1975 merger, orchestrated by Paul Ricard and Jean Hémard, aimed for global leadership in the spirits market.

Pernod Ricard is recognized as the world's second-largest wine and spirits seller, boasting a comprehensive portfolio of over 240 brands distributed across more than 160 countries. While initially known for anise-flavored spirits, the company has significantly expanded its offerings through strategic acquisitions. Its extensive whiskey portfolio includes prominent Scotch whiskies like The Glenlivet and Chivas Regal, and Irish whiskey such as Jameson. Pernod Ricard has also made substantial investments in American whiskey, acquiring brands like Jefferson's, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler, TX Whiskeys, and Skrewball.

The company's approach to whiskey-making and its broader operations emphasizes innovation, premiumization, and sustainability. This is exemplified by the establishment of North American Distillers (NADL), a U.S.-based subsidiary dedicated to managing its American whiskey brands, mirroring the structure of its Irish Distillers and Chivas Brothers (Scotch) entities. Pernod Ricard is also developing a US$250 million carbon-neutral whiskey distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, slated to open in 2025, and launched The Chuan, a prestige malt whisky produced in China, in 2023. A distinctive aspect of Pernod Ricard's culture is "conviviality," a French concept of openness and connection, embodying founder Paul Ricard's mantra to "Make a New Friend Every Day."