Pernod Ricard profits boosted by Asian sales growth

Pernod Ricard's brands include Absolut, Martell, Jameson, Chivas Regal and Perrier-Jouet

French spirits manufacturer Pernod Ricard has announced a strong rise in half-year profits driven by growth in the expanding Chinese market.

The firm reported half-year net profits of 666m euros ($904m; £560m) for the first half of 2009, up from 604m euros the year before.

Asian growth overall was particularly strong with sales up 29%.

Pernod said a gradual recovery in North American and western European markets had also helped boost sales.

The group reported sales of 4.282bn euros, compared to 3.789bn euros in the first half of 2009.

Pernod-Ricard's brands include Absolut, Martell, Jameson, Chivas Regal and Perrier-Jouet.