Black Shard, the Blackfin stand, won the Bestand 2015 award at the recent Mido.

Visitors voted on the best Mido stand, and the post-industrial look of the Black Shard stand clearly impressed them. Designed by architect Nicola De Pellegrini and his team at Anidride Design and built by Deimos, Black Shard summarizes the brand’s journey, while amplifying the blend of pure design, authenticity and innovation at the heart of its image.

The stand space seems to be an extension of the new ad campaign, in which the public can enter and explore the Blackfin universe. The Bar Cipriani space, in the centre of the stand, seals the partnership between the two brands, both worthy “Made in Italy” représentatives.

“We’ve been working on this project for over a year and we’re delighted with the result, the perfect representation of Blackfin and its philosophy,” said Nicola Del Din, CEO of Pramaor.

For further information, click HERE.

Essilor has announced the appointment of Community Relations Director, Sheila Bissonnette, as part of the company’s long-term community growth and development plans.

“We’re proud to continue to develop our relationships in the Canadian market and build on our success. This new position is part of our plan to streamline responsibility and management of our community engagement efforts and network communications with industry.” states Marc Tersigni, Chief Strategy Officer.

“Our focus is on supporting our internal and external communities and getting us to the goals we’ve set for Essilor Canada and our partners. This is a timely commitment based on our continued growth. Expanding key partnerships creates a need to strengthen our engagement efforts, in order to deliver the most impact with our stakeholders.” Tersigni states.

The community relations director will serve as Essilor’s national champion for enhanced corporate communications throughout Canada and promotion of effective industry relations.

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