Pernod Ricard Asia Improves Marketing Strategies and Responsiveness with IBM Big Data and Analytics

Global Wines and Spirits Co-Leader Reduces Reporting Time by over 50 Percent

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Jun 12, 2014, 09:34 ET

HONG KONG and ARMONK, N.Y., June 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that Pernod Ricard Asia, co-leader in wines and spirits sector worldwide, is using IBM Big Data and Analytics technology to improve marketing intelligence and reduce reporting and query response time by more than 50 percent. This is providing the management team with updated information to make decisions quickly.

Pernod Ricard has established itself as number one in the Premium segment. In Asia, the company operates in 13 markets through local affiliates and focuses on sustainable growth through a large portfolio of international brands. They also execute a high-end strategy, known as Premiumisation – essentially meaning the ability to establish quality and uniqueness of a brand. Pernod Ricard Asia's regional data warehouse, through generating fast and accurate performance reporting across countries, brands and even stock keeping units, is one of the key information systems supporting the implementation of this strategy across Asia.

"Brand distribution in Asia is challenging because consumer purchasing habits can change rapidly," said Joanna Tsang, Data Warehouse Manager, Pernod Ricard Asia. "In order to continue growth in the region, it is critical for us to remain up to speed with the latest marketing intelligence and IBM's Big Data and Analytics technology allows us to do that."

Since it was established in 1998 Pernod Ricard Asia's data warehouse has grown to more than two terabytes. This is a result of the growth of new markets and data sources, additions to the brand portfolio as well as the normal accumulation of data over time.

By 2011, the company had reached the point where it was a real challenge to meet user expectations, with the existing data warehouse system taking more than 12 hours to complete the daily batch processing and reporting cycle. System response time to business intelligence queries were also a problem for supporting the 1,000 business analysts and users across the region.

IBM's PureData System for Analytics powered by Netezza technology improved Pernod Ricard Asia's processes significantly – speeding data loading time by over 50 percent, and generating reports 60 percent faster. For example, rather than having to wait until the middle of the afternoon, the company's top management now has the daily volume report, which consolidates data from all 13 markets, available first thing in the morning – giving them transparency of business performance in a timely manner.

Pernod Ricard Asia adopted a country-by-country approach to migrate the data warehouse to the new environment, ensuring any issues were properly ironed out without impacting the whole operation.

Tsang added, "IBM did an excellent job of supporting our team and sharing best practices - particularly with the highly unstructured nature of Thai script and non-standard traditional Chinese characters used in Taiwan."

"With IBM's PureData System for Analytics technology in place, Pernod Ricard Asia's leadership team can now get the insight they need into the latest market developments," said Gordon Sit, Executive, Software Group, IBM China/Hong Kong Limited. "We are committed to ensuring they continue to remain a leader in their industry."

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world's co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of € 8,575 million in 2012/13. 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) and 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 and Graffigna wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of nearly 19,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 "Brand Companies" and 80 "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 the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.

About IBM Big Data and Analytics

IBM has established the world's deepest portfolio of Big Data and Analytics technology that spans research and development, solutions and software. IBM has invested $24 billion to build its capabilities in Big Data and Analytics through R&D and more than 30 acquisitions. Today, more than 15,000 analytics consultants, 6,000 industry solution business partners, and 400 IBM mathematician are helping clients use big data to transform their organizations.

For more information about IBM Big Data and Analytics, please visit http://www.ibm.com/big-data/us/en/big-data-and-analytics/

Contact(s) information

Florence Ma
Communications, IBM Hong Kong
+852-2825-7626
[email protected]

Harriet Ip
IBM External Relations
+65-8161-8505
[email protected]

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SOURCE IBM