Whisky giant Chivas Brothers cheers trade agreements and return to growth
“The past year has been shaped by higher standards, bolder ideas and partnerships that stretch what’s possible” – Nodjame Fouad
Chivas Brothers, Scotland’s second-largest whisky producer, has posted a 2 per cent fall in its full-year sales but said the business had returned to growth during the second half.
Bosses said the breadth of its portfolio, which includes The Glenlivet, had enabled it to “respond with agility to evolving market conditions”.
The group, which forms part of French spirits empire Pernod Ricard, said its “resilient” performance had been led by Ballantine’s core range and Chivas Regal.
Global net sales fell 2 per cent in the group’s financial year to the end of June, in the face of “global economic and geopolitical headwinds”. After softening in the first six months of the year, the business returned to growth in the second half.
It noted that its geographic scale had supported a robust domestic market performance, with growth accelerating year-on-year in key regions, including Africa and the Middle East (+24 per cent), India (+6 per cent), and Turkey remaining a “standout performer” (+29 per cent).
The global spirits sector has been buffeted by US trade tariffs, inflationary pressures and changing preferences among drinkers.
Nodjame Fouad, chief executive of Pernod Ricard’s aged spirits and Champagne division, said: “Chivas Brothers’ [full-year] performance shows resilience in a challenging global trading environment, with an uptick in momentum heading into the new fiscal year.
“As maker of the world’s most awarded Scotch whisky portfolio 2026, our brands continue to resonate with a global audience and accelerate appeal in emerging markets, supporting our long-term ambition.
“The past year has been shaped by higher standards, bolder ideas and partnerships that stretch what’s possible, demonstrated by the release of Chivas Regal 16 year old in partnership with Chivas Regal global brand ambassador Charles Leclerc.
“We welcome recent trade agreements in the US and India, and will work hard to realise their full potential in the year ahead, and beyond.”
As the world’s number two Scotch whisky producer, Chivas Brothers exports to 150 markets, while its 1,700 workers are rooted in communities across Scotland and around the globe.
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