NEW YORK, NY — On Wednesday, premium wine & spirits maker Pernod Ricard USA answered the Trump Administration's call to action announcing that it will produce and donate hand sanitizer to help in the national fight against the COVID-19 virus.
"Our company is proud to support the efforts of the Administration and communities across the country in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic," said Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard North America.
Mukherjee credited federal officials, including Dr. Peter Navarro, Assistant to the President for Trade and Manufacturing, for their role in helping Pernod Ricard USA quickly navigate several regulatory hurdles and obtain the necessary approvals to produce American-made hand sanitizer. "In coordination with Dr. Navarro and the White House Task Force, we are utilizing our network of American manufacturing sites to help curb the national shortage of hand sanitizer which we will produce and donate for domestic use."
"The health and safety of our employees – and our communities – is our top priority," Mukherjee said. "In times like this it is important that everyone, especially companies with strong U.S. roots, like ours, prioritize good corporate citizenship and step up in the name of the greater good. I am glad that we were able to form this public/private partnership and repurpose our spirits production facilities to meet a pressing, national need."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) commended Pernod Ricard USA's efforts, saying, "I am proud of Kentucky job creators who are stepping up during this national emergency to help keep communities and families safe. America remains strong and resilient, and the commitment of Pernod Ricard USA and the workers at Rabbit Hole Distillery to help face this challenge is the kind of generous response we need to stay that way."
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR), who represents the city of Fort Smith, expressed his appreciation for Pernod Ricard USA's initiative in Ft. Smith. "Our top priority during this crisis is the health and safety of all Americans. It's great to see Pernod Ricard USA prioritizing a national need over short-term business gains to make an impact during this national emergency," Womack said.
Pernod Ricard USA is working with the U.S. Government on plans for distribution of the hand sanitizer.
Pernod Ricard USA is a premium spirits and wine company in the US, and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world's second-largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide. Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, NY and has more than 800 employees across the country. The company's leading spirits include such brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Monkey 47 Gin, Plymouth Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Powers Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky; Lillet; Smithworks Vodka, Jefferson's Bourbon, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo and Brancott Estate; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne and Mumm Napa sparkling wines.
