In spite of the fact the perfume and cosmetic markets are still shrinking due to a worldwide decrease in consumption, Inter Parfums saw a turnover of €63 million in the first quarter of 2009. The group judged this performance to be “reasonable”.

Jean Madar, Chairman and CEO of Inter Parfums, explained, "as we previously indicated, year-over-year first quarter sales comparisons were impacted by several factors. The continued strength of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro, had the net effect of depressing 2009 first quarter sales by about 6% as compared to last year. Additionally, last year's first quarter included our largest ever global launch for our largest licensed brand, Burberry The Beat for women pushing European-based sales up 46% as compared to the first quarter of 2007.”

For this quarter the turnover of Burberry perfumes was €42 million (notably thanks to the launch of Burberry The Beat for men) and €9 million for Lanvin perfumes.

In the USA, the success of Burberry perfumes has allowed the group to limit decline in North America. Markets in the United Kingdom, Brazil and Russia are shrinking whilst France, Italy and China have remained stable.

By Jonathan Fulwell (Source: Sarah Ahssen)