PERNOD RICARD INDIA EMERGES AS GROUP’S SECOND-LARGEST MARKET

Pernod Ricard India has become the Group’s second-largest market by net sales, contributing 13 per cent in FY26. Chairman and CEO Alexandre Ricard hailed the achievement as “phenomenal,” citing strong consumer demand, premiumisation trends and market share gains that underscore India’s growing importance in the global spirits industry.

Pernod Ricard India has achieved a landmark milestone by contributing 13 per cent of Pernod Ricard Group’s net sales in FY26, elevating India to the position of the Group’s second-largest market worldwide. The achievement reflects the remarkable momentum of India’s premium spirits sector, which has been steadily reshaping global perceptions of consumer demand and market potential in emerging economies.  

Commenting on the performance, Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pernod Ricard, described the development as “quite phenomenal.” He emphasised that India’s rise within the Group’s global portfolio is driven by strong underlying consumer demand, premiumisation trends and significant market share gains. “India has now become our second-largest market in terms of sales, with very strong momentum,” Ricard noted, underscoring the scale of transformation underway in the country’s beverage landscape.  

The success of Pernod Ricard India is emblematic of broader shifts in consumer behaviour across the nation. As disposable incomes rise and urban lifestyles evolve, Indian consumers are increasingly gravitating towards premium experiences, fuelling demand for high-quality spirits. This premiumisation journey has not only strengthened the domestic market but also positioned India as a critical growth engine for global players in the alcoholic beverages industry.  

Pernod Ricard India’s contribution to the Group’s net sales highlights the effectiveness of its portfolio strategy, which balances accessibility with aspirational branding. By offering products that resonate across diverse consumer segments, the company has managed to expand its reach while reinforcing its premium credentials. The performance in FY26 demonstrates how India’s spirits market is maturing, with consumers embracing global standards of quality and innovation.  

Industry observers note that India’s ascent within Pernod Ricard’s global hierarchy is more than a commercial achievement; it is a cultural marker of the country’s growing influence in the international spirits industry. For decades, global rankings and market contributions were dominated by Western economies, but India’s emergence signals a shift in the centre of gravity towards dynamic, high-growth markets.  

For Pernod Ricard, India’s rise as the second-largest market validates years of investment in brand building, consumer engagement and operational excellence. It also reflects the loyalty of millions of consumers who have made the company’s brands household names. The achievement is expected to further strengthen India’s role in shaping the future of the global spirits industry, opening new opportunities for innovation and expansion.  

As India takes its place at the forefront of Pernod Ricard’s global growth story, the milestone stands as a testament to the country’s evolving consumer landscape and its ability to redefine global narratives in premium spirits.