L’usine Sainte-Marthe. © Pernod Ricard France
Pernod was founded in 1805, Ricard in 1932. The two joined forces in 1975 and set out to conquer the world as Pernod Ricard. Which finally became Pernod Ricard France in 2020, when it moved its head offices to the renovated Docks Village. “Marseille is the heartland of Pernod Ricard France and the place we’ve chosen for our head office. Moving to the docks is also tipping a wink to our history, because that’s where the star anise used to unship before heading on to the Sainte-Martine factory. It’s also where we’ve opened Mx, a concept store based around star anise, the emblematic flavour of our company and the Mediterranean.” A great place for a regular booster.
CORPORATE COMMITMENT
Meaningful growth is the essence of the group’s philosophy now. So it is innovating with the Ricard organic range and soft drinks like Suze Tonic Zéro and Ceder’s. Other innovations include extending paternity leave for staff, skill mentoring, and partnerships fostering sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a lever for change. Behind these initiatives lie the group’s three top goals for 2025/2030: protecting the planet, cultivating conviviality and being a socially responsible company. “As a leader in the spirits industry in France we have to make positive changes in our business and share best practice with our partners. That’s what will make the difference.”
By Valérie Rouger
Ricard bio, amande et citron.
Totally of-today heritage brands
Ricard is 90 years old this year, Lillet 150 years old. Suze too is over 100. They are amazingly youthful and energetic for such venerable heritage brands.
Lillet is off to conquer the world with its white and rosé wines. The eco-conscious firm has made its bottles 20% lighter, and its delivery trucks run on bioethanol. Suze, the grand old lady of aperitifs, has rejuvenated by commissioning Hemma Lange, designer of upcycled fashion, to do the label for a limited batch of bottles. It has also launched Suze Tonic Zéro. “This non-alcoholic drink takes us into a new dimension.” Ricard, meanwhile, has a new product: Ricard Plantes Fraîches, made with fennel distilled right where it is grown, in Valensole. Then there’s the delicious, organic Ricard Fruité Bio range (lemon and almond). “These innovations bring a breath of fresh air to the brand, but we’re as faithful as ever to our roots.”
Mx: a taste of anise
Walking into Mx you seem to enter the mindset of Pernod Ricard France. Star anise is here in all its forms. There’s a restaurant, a bar, a museum, cocktail mixing classes, lessons in ‘pastisology’, a tasting bar and a concept store. 1000m2 of surprises and a 4D tour of Marseille in a Méhari – the most deliciously anise-flavoured excursion in town!
Mx, les Docks Village
10 place de la Joliette, 13002 Marseille
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