JD helps Brown-Forman to 12% sales growth

Double-digit global volume growth for Jack Daniel’s helped Brown-Forman record 12% half-year net sales growth.

Total sales at the Louisiana, US-based group increased by 12% to US$1.9 billion for the six months to 31 October 2011.

Paul Varga, Brown-Forman’s chief executive officer, said: “Performance was led by the Jack Daniel’s trademark, which grew volumes globally at a double-digit rate, and drove the company’s widespread geographic growth.

“This performance was aided by compelling portfolio innovation, particularly in the Jack Daniel’s family, growth in our super-premium brands, and continued international growth of the brand portfolio.”

Along with solid performances by its brands – which include Finlandia vodka, Woodford Reserve bourbon and Southern Comfort – in the US, the company also reported healthy growth in both developed and emerging markets such as the UK, Australia, France, Turkey and Brazil.

Brown-Forman said the gains in these markets helped to negate the impact of “soft performance” in markets such as Spain and Poland.