VRANKEN-POMMERY MONOPOLE records growth in its Turnover in the second quarter of 2012: up 5.5%

        Reims, 19 July 2012

Financial Press Release

Vranken-Pommery Monopole records growth in its Turnover 
in the second quarter of 2012: up 5.5%

The second quarter of 2012 (1^st April to 30 June 2012) was marked by buoyant activity both for the Champagne sector and for the Rosé Wines of Camargue and Provence sector. Vranken-Pommery saw its turnover for the period stand at €72.8 million, up 5.5% compared with the second quarter of 2011.  

Whereas total sales of Champagne showed a particularly positive trend with growth of 7%, sales in Third Countries were up by 4.5% in Q2 (after an increase of 5.8% in Q1). The four International Houses of Champagne including the Group's flagship Pommery brand, under the impetus of the new International Department, have renewed their development in Third Countries (outside Europe).

Confirmation of the dynamism of Vranken-Pommery Monopole is shown by the placing on the market of the exceptional Cuvée "Clos de Pompadour" vintage from the Vranken-Pommery Clos de Reims vineyards. Emblematic of the greatness of the vines, it is an illustration of the degree of expertise of the Group's great Houses. Thus, the price/mix effect in the second quarter was positive by 4.2%.
The development of the Rosé Wines of Camargue and Provence is continuing despite the adverse weather conditions in recent months. Turnover was up 1.1%, with a 4.3% positive price/mix effect in the second quarter.

Prospects

Traditionally, the first half-year cannot be extrapolated over a full year. However, the trends seen confirm the expected improvement in Vranken-Pommery Monopole's annual profitability, estimated at an increase of 1% in its current operating income. The Group has stabilised its financial structure, for which the debt position is strictly related to the volume of the harvests, and confirms its ability to constantly adapt to an uncertain economic context.
Streamlining of the sites and their specialisation is continuing, opening up new sources of future productivity gains.

Forthcoming Statements

First half-year results : 31th August 2012

About Vranken-Pommery Monopole

Vranken-Pommery Monopole is the second largest champagne group. Its portfolio of leading champagne brands comprises VRANKEN, with its Diamant and Demoiselle vintages, POMMERY with its Louise and POP vintages, CHARLES LAFITTE and HEIDSIECK & CO MONOPOLE. The company owns the premium ROZES and TERRAS DO GRIFO port wine brands. Finally, the group is the leading distributor of rosé wines with Sable de Camargue - Gris de Gris wines - from DOMAINES LISTEL and Côtes  de Provence - Rosé wines - from the CHATEAU LA GORDONNE.

The Vranken-Pommery Monopole Group, Europe's leading Wine Grower, directly cultivates more than 2,500 hectares of vineyard.

Vranken-Pommery Monopole is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris and Brussels.
(Code "VRAP" (Paris), code "VRAB" (Brussels); ISIN code: FR0000062796).

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