French spirits group Pernod Ricard SA on Thursday reported net profit for the year to June 6 grew 10% to €1.05 billion ($2.23 billion) against €951 million in the year-ago period, driven by growth in Asian markets. Sales rose 8% to €7.64 billion, against €7.08 billion in the year-ago period, and were up 7% on an organic basis. Sales for the fourth quarter fell 1%, owing to foreign exchange effects and a negative group structure effect, but saw strong growth in emerging markets. Overall, Pernod Ricard said Asia sales grew 19%, and were also strong in Africa, the Middle East and Turkey, while Europe sales excluding France "improved markedly." Pernod Ricard declared a dividend of €1.44 per share. "For 2011/12 the beginning of the financial year confirms the resilience of our markets," said Pierre Pringuet, chief executive officer.