Making a date: Penélope Cruz fronts Campari calendar

By PETER RANSCOMBE
Published on 04/08/2012 00:00

ITALY’S economic woes and a tax rise in France dented sales of single malt brand Glen Grant in the first half of the year, according to figures released yesterday by parent company Campari.

Sales of the whisky label fell by 7.8 per cent in the six months to 30 June following “weakening consumer confidence in Italy”.

The Milan-based group fared better in other markets, with strong growth in Asia and North America helping it to post a 5 per cent rise in sales to €618.3 million (£485.9m), with profits up 6.3 per cent to €122.7m.

Campari’s financial results came as the drinks company – Skyy vodka and Wild Turkey bourbon – unveiled Spanish actress Penélope Cruz as the face of its 2013 calendar.

PETER RANSCOMBE