Australian demand helps boost Essilor sales

This dand was said to have contributed to the 6.6% sales revenue increase to euro 288 million (AU$410.7 m) in the combined Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa region for the three months ended 30 Septber.The positive third quarter result was also attributed to the excellent performance of fast-growing countries , which offset a slowdown in consumer spending in the Middle East and difficulties in Turkey, according to the financial report, released 21 October. The product mix continues to improve in most of the region, thanks to strong sales of Varilux, Crizal and Transitions lenses and the launch of the Eyezen line, which has been well received by eye-care professionals, the report added.Essilor chief operating officer Mr Laurent Vacherot noted in an earnings conference call on 21 October that currency impact improved in the third quarter compared to the first half of the year.The appreciation of the Australian dollar, Brazilian real and Japanese yen had almost offset the sharp depreciation of the British pound , he said.Across all regions, the company posted revenue totalling euro 1.7 billion (AU$2.5 b) for the third quarter of 2016. This marked a 6.4% increase as reported compared with the previous year. Driven by its commitment to improving and protecting vision, Essilor continues to deliver a sustainable, well-balanced mix of organic and acquisitions-led growth, Essilor chairman and CEO Mr Hubert Sagnières commented. We rain firmly aligned with our medium- and long-term growth dynamic, despite the tporary difficulties that we have experienced in certain markets. Mr Sagnières went on to say Essilor continued to deploy a wide array of strategic initiatives in prescription lenses and sun lenses, in the development of online sales, and in fast-growing countries. We expect these initiatives to start delivering tangible results in the near future, and to provide an uplift to growth through 2017, he added.