Italian eyewear manufacturer Safilo Group reported a 5.1% increase in sales to CAN$1.487 billion in 2014 (1.178 billion euros).

The company’s gross profit also increased by 5.1%, compared to 2013, to CAN$907 million (718.6 million euros), whereas adjusted net profit jumped by 14.1%, compared to last year, to CAN$56 million (44.5 million euros).

Sales increased by 8% in the Americas and growth was very strong (23.3%) in the fourth quarter. Sales increased slightly (+3.4%) in Europe and remained stable (-0.2%) in Asia.

Safilo’s strategy to separate its brands into five market segments seems to be successful. Dior’s performance was solid in the high-end sector, while Boss and Tommy Hilfiger are becoming Safilo’s core brands. The Max Mara brand recorded two-figure growth in 2014, while Gucci sales remained stable. Safilo now intends to restage the Carrera brand, whose sunglass sales dropped and ophthalmic frame sales were flat in 2014.

For further information: http://investors-it.safilo.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=195673&p=irol-irhome

Reporting the first fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2015, Cooper Companies revenue reached US $445.2 million ($ 562 million CDN) – a 10% increase from the prior year.   CooperVision (CVI) sales increased 13% reaching $ 369.3 million ($466 million CDN).   The strongest growth was shown in the multifocal and single-use sphere categories; growing respectively at +26% and +22% versus the same quarter last year. Multifocal comprised 12% of CVI sales and single-use spheres accounted for 23%.  At $108.5 million ($137 million CDN), sales of toric lenses, CVI’s largest segment, increased 7%.

The Americas (which includes Canadian sales) accountingfor 43% of revenues from CooperVision, also increased revenue by 13%.

View the quarterly report: http://investor.coopercos.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=900257

Exports of sunglasses, optical frames and Italian lenses increased 11.8% in 2014, reaching a record $4.346 billion CAD (3.110 billion).

A total of 94 million pairs of glasses (61 million and 33 million solar ophthalmic frames) were sold outside Italy by Italian manufacturers. This good performance allowed the Italian optical industry to record a total turnover of 4.431 billion Canadian dollars, up 9.4% compared to 2013.

The Americas sold a little less than 30% of these frames, up 9.6% from 2013, with stronger growth in the United States (12.7%). On their own, the United States accounts for 23% of all exports of Italian eyewear.

By the end of 2014, 868 companies made up the industry ,employing 16,195 people, up 2.3% compared to 2013, in addition to about 1,000 temporary workers. This increase is partly due to a return of production in Italy, due to increased production costs in Asia and growth in demand for luxury goods “made in Italy”.

Kevin Hyland is the new Sàfilo North American sport channel sales leader.

In this role, he will be responsible for Sàfilo sports and outdoor lifestyle brands like Suncloud by Polaroid, Smith Optics and future brands in this segment.

Kevin Hyland’s first tasks will be working with Smith brand leadership and Safilo global commercial leadership teams to further the success of the sports brands’ performance eyewear, goggles, snow and bike helmets in the North American markets.

Kevin Hyland previously worked for well-known brands, such as adidas, Converse, Gatorade and Nike.