- Sales in three months to end of September increase 3.4% to EUR777m (US$865.1m)
- For year-to-date, top line rises 2.9% to EUR2.29bn
Campari Group has set the stage for a low single-digit lift in comparable sales this year, with the latest quarter posting an improved growth rate versus the previous two.
Against the backdrop of a 2.7% rise in sales in the first six months of 2026, the Aperol brand owner said late yesterday (28 October) that its sales in the three months to the end of September finished up by 3.4% on the corresponding period a year ago. In stating a full-year sales growth target of 3%, Campari Group hit +2.9% for the first nine months of 2026.
In commentary that concerned itself with the group’s year-to-date numbers, the ‘Developing Markets’ grouping led the way geographically, delivering a 9.3% year-on-year sales increase. Among the markets to warrant mention were Brazil, where brands Aperol and Campari continue to be “solid” and Eastern Europe and South Africa, both of which are exhibiting “positive trends” for Courvoisier.
In ‘Europe’, which accounts for almost half of total sales, nine-month growth hit 3.8% thanks in part to the aperitif stable also showing a “positive trend” in the third quarter across all of its brands and formats.
Over in North America – 36% of group sales – a 1% sales lift over the nine-month period was credited to tequila, namely Espolòn, and aperitifs in the US, although “the rest of the portfolio (in the US was) impacted by a challenging market context”.
Also discussed in the results was the importance to Campari Group of “convenience format innovations” for brands including Aperol and Campari, such as a premixed spritz in bottle and can formats in the off-premise and on tap in the on-premise. The approach, which has been applied “in only a few initial markets”, accounted for a third of the nine-month sales growth from the ‘House of Aperitifs’ operating division, “indicating significant geographic expansion opportunity”, the company said.
“Our strategy of fewer, bigger bets is delivering results supported by bold brand investments, geographic expansion and encouraging early contribution from our convenience format innovations,” said CEO Simon Hunt. “At the same time, we continue to drive efficiency across all lines of the P&L, creating room to invest behind our strongest and most profitable growth opportunities.
“Looking ahead, we confirm our full-year 2026 guidance of circa +3% organic top-line growth, despite the ongoing challenging market backdrop.”
The full-year guidance was clarified further, with the company forecasting “stronger growth” in ‘Europe’ but weakness in ‘North America’. “In the US,” Campari Group added, “despite strong growth in aperitifs and tequila, the group expects a marginal top-line decline in the full-year, due to softer H2 dynamics in specific categories and a high comparison base in Q4.”
