Our history
1975
Creation of Pernod Ricard from the merger of Pernod, founded in 1805, and Ricard, created in 1932 by Paul Ricard.
1988 Acquisition of leading Irish whiskey producer Irish Distillers – owner of Jameson.- 1993 Creation of joint venture between Pernod Ricard and the Cuban rum company, Cuba Ron to market and sell Havana Club.
2001 Acquisition of Seagram and their whisky brands (Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute) and cognac (Martell) categories.- 2003
Signing of the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative based on CEO commitments to implement universal sustainability principles and to take steps to support UN goals.
- 2005
Acquisition of Allied Domecq, doubling the Group’s size, with brands including Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, Ballantine’s whisky, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs and Beefeater gin.
Membership in the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (formerly ICAP(1)).
(1) International Center for Alcohol Policies. - 2007 Display of a warning for pregnant women on all bottles marketed by the Group is extended to every country in the European Union.
2008 Acquisition of Vin & Sprit – owner of Absolut Vodka.- 2010 Adhesion to the United Nations CEO Water Mandate.
- 2011
Upgrade of the Group’s credit rating to investment grade.
Launch of Responsib’ALL Day, Pernod Ricard’s annual social engagement volunteer event involving the Group’s entire workforce.
- 2012 Signing of the Wine & Spirits Producers’ five commitments to promote responsible drinking.
- 2015 Appointment of Alexandre Ricard as Chairman & CEO.
2016
Acquisition of the super-premium gin Monkey 47.
Signing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard celebrates its 50th anniversary.
- 2017 Acquisition of a majority stake in high-end bourbon producer Smooth Ambler, and in Del Maguey Single Village, mezcal.
- 2018
Nomination of Pernod Ricard as a member company of Global Compact LEAD.
Adhesion to the New Plastics Economy led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
- 2019
Launch of 2030 Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap ‘Good Times from a Good Place.’
Acquisition of the super-premium gin Malfy, and a majority stake in super-premium bourbon Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Castle Brands (Jefferson’s) and Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. (TX).
- 2020
Introduction of a ‘no minors’ symbol on all bottles marketed by the Group.
Inauguration of The Island, the Group’s new flagship in Paris.
Acquisition of a significant stake in the ultra-premium Japanese gin Ki No Bi, and in Italicus, an Italian superpremium, bergamot-infused aperitivo.
2021
Opening of the new Pernod Ricard Foundation’s space at The Island, the Group’s headquarters in Paris.
Acquisition of a majority stake in La Hechicera ultra-premium rum.
Opening of The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery in Emeishan, China.
Acquisition of a minority stake in the Sovereign Brands and its portfolio of super-premium wines and spirits.
Acquisition of leading online spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange.
2022
Acquisition of a majority stake in Château Sainte Marguerite, Cru Classé Côtes-de-Provence rosé wine.
2023
Acquisition of a majority stake in Codigo 1530, an ultra-premium and prestige tequila, Skrewball, a superpremium and fast-growing flavoured whiskey and ACE Beverage Group, the Canadian RTD market leader.
Partnership with Casa Lumbre and Lenny Kravitz to develop Nocheluna Sotol.
Announcement of a €238 million investment in the construction of a carbon-neutral Jefferson’s distillery in Kentucky.
- 2024 Pernod Ricard joins World Business Council for Sustainable Development.