Pernod Ricard USA Invests $22M in its First-Ever Ready-To-Drink Canning Line

Pernod Ricard USA announced today that it has invested in its first-ever ready-to-drink (RTD) canning line, which will be located at the company’s Fort Smith plant in Arkansas. The $22 million investment will provide the facility with canning capabilities, help accelerate growth for the company, add more U.S. jobs and create a spillover of economic benefits for the local community.

 “This investment is an incredible step in strengthening our manufacturing footprint in Fort Smith,” said Pierre Joncourt, Senior Vice President, Pernod Ricard North America. “The high-speed canning line will be instrumental in increasing our production capabilities and swiftly bringing our premium, bar-quality RTDs to market.”

The plant already produces several Pernod Ricard spirits, including Kahlua Coffee Liqueur and Seagram’s Gin. This new canning line — and the RTD offerings they’ll be able to produce as a result — will give them an opportunity to help make popular brands, like Jameson, Absolut, Malibu and TX Whiskey, even more accessible and enjoyable for consumers.

 RTDs — which now include hard seltzers, prepared cocktails and long drinks, hard teas and coffees, wine spritzers and coolers — are ultra-convenient, easy to find, easy to carry, easy to store and easy to recycle. They’re also projected to be the fastest growing alcohol category globally over the next five years, with an expectation for them to increase by an additional $11.6 billion during that time (according to a new report from IWSR).

 Each of the beverages in the company’s current RTD portfolio, including Jameson Ginger & Lime, Malibu Pineapple Bay Breeze, Absolut Berry Vodkarita and TX Whiskey & Cola, was meticulously crafted to mirror the thoughtful artistry you experience at the bar — using the same high-quality ingredients, with the same high-quality results.

 “Volume has only continued to increase for our Fort Smith facility and the spirits industry overall,” said Jennifer Anglin, Senior Operations Director for the Fort Smith plant. “ This latest canning line expansion will not only allow us to produce various spirits across our brand portfolio, but more importantly, it will create numerous jobs to keep up with demand.”

With so much projected growth, the Fort Smith plant has also recently welcomed the addition of eight brand new 50,000-gallon tanks to assist with production.

“‘Made in Arkansas,’ ‘Made in Fort Smith – that’s exactly where we want more products made. Pernod Ricard USA recognizes that value,” Arkansas Congressman Steve Womack said. “This new canning line will enhance the power of Arkansas manufacturing and further unleash economic opportunity. When those lines move, we see the quality production, employees and work being done locally to support our supply chain and industry. This investment is a testament to that.”

 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., the world's second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company's leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson's Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo 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 headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As "creators of conviviality," we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information, visit: www.pernod-ricard-usa.com.

 Images: https://we.tl/t-YJI8aN4tyE

Media Contact:

Graeme Gardiner, graeme.gardiner@pernod-ricard.com

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