Drinks maker Pernod Ricard has reported a rise in half year net profits as consumers continue to buy wine and spirits despite the economic downturn.
The French group said profits rose 5% to 615m euros ($793m; £547m) for the six months to the end of December 2008.
Sales for the period rose 13% to 4.2bn euros, and the firm forecast "strong organic growth" for the full year.
Shares in Pernod, whose brands include Jacob's Creek wine and Absolut vodka, were up 6% in early trade.
"Although visibility is limited for the second half of the year, we anticipate that the wine and spirits sector will on the whole continue to show excellent resilience," Pernod said.
Pernod is the second biggest alcoholic drinks group in the world after Diageo.
On Thursday Diageo reported a 3.2% rise in half-year profits but cut its forecast for the full year.
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