Record Sales For Beam
US-based global spirits group Beam (formerly known as Fortune Brands) has reported a 4% rise in operating income to $572.2 million on net sales up 8% to a record $2.3 billion for 2011. On a comparable basis when adjusted for foreign exchange, acquisitions, divestitures, and the ongoing impact of the new Australia spirits distribution agreement – net sales advanced by 8%.
By geographic region, comparable net sales were up 8% in North America, up 8% in Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), and up 8% in Asia Pacific/South America (APSA).
“2011 was an extraordinary year for Beam,” says Matt Shattock, president and chief executive of Beam. “We launched Beam as a leading standalone spirits company, while we continued to outperform our markets and prime our business for sustainable, profitable long-term growth.”
During the year, the group also completed synergy-driven acquisitions in two dynamic growth categories – ready-to-serve cocktails and Irish whiskey – with the purchase of Skinnygirl and Cooley Distillery. The group’s brands portfolio now includes Jim Beam bourbon, Maker’s Mark bourbon, Sauza tequila, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Teacher’s Scotch whisky, Kilbeggan Irish whiskey, Laphroaig Scotch whisky, Larios gin, DeKuyper cordials, and Skinnygirl cocktails.
“As we enter 2012, we’re encouraged by our continued marketplace momentum,” comments Matt Shattock. “We expect our global spirits market to continue to grow value in the range of 3%, supported by solid growth in mature markets such as the US and double-digit growth in key emerging markets. Against this backdrop, we see market growth across key spirits categories, including strong worldwide demand for bourbon.”
