Integrated Annual Report FY25

China

China

The macroeconomic and geopolitical environment remained challenging for China in FY25. Tariffs and anti-dumping investigations created an unpredictable environment for imported spirits characterised by volatility in import costs and potential disruptions to established trade flows. Despite these cyclical challenges, the outlook for the Chinese market remains positive, and is underpinned by several structural trends:

  • The continuing expansion of China’s middle and affluent classes is fuelling greater purchasing power and appetite for premium goods.
  • The diversification of consumer preferences, with growing interest in imported spirits, especially among younger consumers(1).
  • Room for growth, with international spirits accounting for less than 1% of Total Beverage Alcohol.

As the leading international premium spirits player in China and number one in Cognac, whisky and white spirits, Pernod Ricard is uniquely placed to respond to these evolving market dynamics. We possess the most comprehensive portfolio of premium spirits in the market, allowing us to address a wide spectrum of consumer needs and adapt quickly to shifts in demand. In FY25, strong growth was seen in both the white spirits and the premium whisky brands, such as Absolut Vodka, Olmeca tequila, Monkey 47 gin and Jameson whiskey. The company’s strategy remains resolutely focused on long-term growth, brand relevance, and operational agility in the face of ongoing macroeconomic and regulatory uncertainties.

White spirits brands deliver mixology inspiration with social commerce

Sales of spirits miniatures grew in 2024. This was driven by a surge in consumption at social gatherings, as well as the popularity of “Convenience Store Mixology” trending on social media platforms such as RedNote and Douyin (TikTok). To further drive this trend, Pernod Ricard invested through social media with key opinion leaders, user generated content, professional generated content and the likes of Absolut in the amplification of the global “Born to Mix” campaign to highlight the flexible utility of the product and inspire mixology. On top of this, to further boost sales, Pernod Ricard partnered with Meituan, one of China’s largest online delivery platforms. Through a pilot programme featuring its white spirits brands on Meituan’s instant delivery service, sales of drink combos skyrocketed from 31,000 to 380,000 combos and even featured direct delivery with automated drones.

THE CHUAN CLAIMS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND EXPANDS TO MORE MARKETS

Pernod Ricard is proud to be the first international spirits group to build a distillery and to launch a prestige malt whisky made in China. Launched in December 2023, The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky is already gaining industry recognition, including a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2024 and three awards at the Icons of Whisky China 2025: Sustainable Distillery of The Year, Brand Ambassador - World Whisky of The Year, and Visitor Attraction Team of The Year. The Chuan Pure Malt Whisky PX Sherry Cask Finish also received a gold medal at the ISC 2025 as well as a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025. The Chuan is steadily expanding to more markets, including Hong Kong (February 2025), Taiwan (May 2025) and Pernod Ricard’s Travel Retail Asia markets (June 2025), allowing more consumers to experience the unique qualities of China’s Emei terroir.