Asia-Pacific was the strongest performing region for Safilo in terms of sales growth in the first three months of 2025, with the Carrera eyewear brand’s “good progression in Australia” a highlight in the region’s €14.4 million (AU$25.2 m) quarter.
Globally, the group – a popular eyewear supplier among independent Australian optical practices – reported a “return to sales growth and solid financial performance in an uncertain environment” in Q1 2025. Net sales reached €285.8 million (AU$501.7 m), a 2.2% increase at constant exchange rates.
The Asia-Pacific Q1 2025 result – which realised positive results from initiatives like Carrera’s collaboration with Australian cricket captain Mr Pat Cummins – was up 18.5% at constant exchange rates and 21.2% at current exchange rates.
“The performance of the area benefited from Carrera’s good progression in Australia, thanks to effective co-branding initiatives and the rollout of the women’s collection,” the company stated.
“In addition, the Asian market was positively impacted by a more favourable shipping time for some orders from key accounts and distributors.”
Asia-Pacific’s growth was considerably higher than other regions Safilo operates in, with Europe recording 2.8% revenue growth to €128.9 million (AU$226 m), North America up 1% to €118.8 million (AU$208 m) and Rest of World down 2.9% to €23.7 million (AU$40 m).
Safilo CEO Mr Angelo Trocchia said 2025 had started with “encouraging momentum”, particularly in January when North America built on the positive recovery trends seen at the close of 2024.
“During the quarter uncertainty increased with escalating geopolitical tensions gradually impacting customer confidence,” he said.
“In this complex context, we delivered a solid first quarter. Europe continued to be where our innovation and customer focus aligned most effectively, helping to drive broad-based growth across markets and brands.”
Sales performance was positive across most brands in the group’s portfolio. In particular, the company said its Smith band “further strengthened its leadership” in the North American market for ski goggles and helmets, while Carrera and David Beckham consolidated the strong momentum already seen throughout 2024.
According to Safilo, the quarter was also marked by growth for Polaroid, building on the recovery seen in the fourth quarter of 2024, and for key licensed brands, from Tommy Hilfiger and Carolina Herrera, to BOSS, HUGO and Marc Jacobs.
Gross profit in Q1 2025 totalled €173 million (AU$303 m), growing by 4.1% compared to Q1 2024. Gross margin increased by 50 basis points, from 60.0% to 60.5%.
From a financial standpoint, Trocchia said the group achieved “solid growth across all margins and delivered a strong acceleration in cash generation”.
“As the tariff landscape continues to evolve, we maintain a prudent and flexible approach, leveraging the current challenges to accelerate the diversification of our supply chain,” he said.
“Our commitment to long-term brand building, operational agility, and financial resilience remains unchanged.”
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