First Pernod Ricard Research Award Goes to Young Researcher Aline Robert-Hazotte

The first Pernod Ricard Research Award has been attributed on 31 May 2016 to a young searcher, Aline Robert-Hazotte. It is a recognition for her outstanding research on “The influence of odorant compounds' metabolism on humans' olfactory perception”, as part of her PhD studies at the Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation (Centre for taste and feeding behaviour), which is partnered by the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), the INRA (French National Institute for Agricultural Research) and the University of Burgundy, Dijon, France.

This Research Award, worth €10,000, will help its young winner to carry out her work, supervised by Professors Jean-Marie Heydel and Philippe Faure in the laboratory of Professor Luc Penicaud of the Centre for taste and feeding behaviour. Her innovative work, which is unique in the world, will improve our understanding of how the olfactory system works and the interactions between smells that affect perception.

At the award ceremony, which took place at the Pernod Ricard Headquarters in Paris, Conor McQuaid, Global Business Director, reiterated the Group’s strategy of backing innovation as a growth and value accelerator for its brands: “Innovation plays a major strategic role in the Group’s growth. Today our objectives are clear: to enrich and foster innovative development, accelerate the emergence of futuristic and ambitious projects and, finally, make our Group the uncontested leader in design and innovation".

For Franck Pierre, Director of the Pernod Ricard Research Centre, the award is perfectly in line with this ambition, this award being one of many initiatives launched to strengthen the company’s science network: “By rewarding young researchers working in the Group's areas of interest, we are strengthening our collaboration with the world of science and technology, as well as our links with experts who have a reputation for excellence. The high quality and large number of interactions happening within our innovation ecosystem, extended to carefully-selected external partners, are essential to achieving our goals."

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s No 2 in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) et Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

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