Pernod Ricard USA Responds to Hurricane Sandy; Provides Monetary and In-Kind Contributions

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pernod Ricard USA, the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., today announced a $100,000 contribution to the American Red Cross to fund donations of bottled water and other needed supplies for those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

“We are focusing our immediate efforts to provide the best and most direct support to those affected by this devastating natural disaster”

"We are focusing our immediate efforts to provide the best and most direct support to those affected by this devastating natural disaster,” said Bryan Fry, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pernod Ricard USA.

The company also is organizing an employee fundraising drive to raise money and in-kind donations. “Our thoughts are with the huge number of people whose lives have been impacted by this terrible storm,” Fry said. “As the damage is assessed in the weeks ahead, we will work closely with our distributors and on- and off-premise customers to help ensure a swift recovery in affected communities.”

“We greatly appreciate Pernod Ricard’s leadership and generosity toward our disaster relief effort, and look forward to a continued partnership with the company,” said Josh Lockwood, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Greater New York Region.

Pernod Ricard USA is the largest operating unit of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard, the global co-leader in wines and spirits. Pernod Ricard has a long tradition of corporate social responsibility, and has been playing a pioneering role in social policy, environmental protection, entrepreneurial responsibility and social sponsorship long before sustainable development became a global imperative.

About Pernod Ricard USA®

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs more than 18,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).

The company’s leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth™ Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avión™ Tequila (through a joint venture with Tequila Avión); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.