Research and Innovation

Innovation is a core element of Pernod Ricard’s corporate strategy. It is key to its success and the measure of its future development.

A GLOBAL INNOVATION PROCESS

The Group’s corporate strategy combines a respect for the past with the constant search for fresh ideas. Its offer is therefore intended to be both competitive and consistently aligned with consumers’ evolution.

To this end, Pernod Ricard launched an initiative dedicated to innovation in 2007. In particular, it has involved adopting a new internal corporate culture. 

A new ambition

This company-wide initiative aims to give new impetus to the Group’s innovation strategy. It allows Pernod Ricard not only to respond to changes in the market, but also to anticipate them.

Innovation is present in products (new textures, new tastes, etc.), packaging (innovative design for packaging and bottles) and consumption methods (suggestions for new recipes, etc.).

Two leaders in innovation

The Group relies on two governing bodies to guide the innovation initiative:

  • The Scientific Advisory Board stimulates the innovation process and identifies scientific advances that can support subsidiaries’ projects. 
  • The Innovation Committee oversees the Group’s innovation process. It identifies key projects and informs the Executive Committee of decisions and arbitrations that need to be made.

An open and collaborative approach to innovation

In November 2007, Pernod Ricard organised its first 3-day Innovation Forum. The goal of this forum is to develop strong relations between the company’s marketing and scientific teams.

At the Forum, participants share their skills and generate a multitude of ideas. These ideas are then evaluated and shaped by the R&D networks. The Forum also makes it possible to establish a common language and helps spread best practices across the Group.

ADVANCES IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Group’s R&D processes are organised according to the company’s principle of decentralisation. Regional innovation support centres are located as close as possible to the marketing teams of the Brand Owner subsidiaries.




In France, the Pernod Ricard Research Centre is the Group’s scientific reference authority. It has several functions:

  • help protect strategic brands, 
  • intervene to support R&D projects, specifically looking at innovation,
  • encourage and participate in sharing scientific and technical skills across the Group,  
  • provide technical assistance to subsidiaries that require it.


The system of networks fosters synergy between the regional research centres and the Pernod Ricard Research Center, allowing for the exchange of know-how, the sharing of resources and common research projects. These networks enable the Group to maintain a high level of expertise, particularly in sensorial analysis, analytical chemistry, food safety and regulatory oversight.