Inter Parfums Q4 net sales decline 6.4%

Perfumery and cosmetic products manufacturer Inter Parfums has reported a 6.4% decrease in net sales to $176.9m in the fourth quarter 2012, down from $189.1m for the same period in 2011.

The France-based company’s net sales for the full year 2012 rose 6.3% to $654.1m, as against $615.2m for the same quarter in 2011.

Inter Parfums European operations for the fourth quarter have reported a 10.1% decrease in sales to $152.4m, compared to $169.6m for the corresponding quarter in 2011.

The company’s US-based sales rose by 25.9% to $24.5m, compared to $19.5m for the same period in 2011.

Inter Parfums chairman & CEO Jean Madar said the company’s premium brand Lanvin sales grew by 5% ahead of 2011, which aided in the launching of the Jeanne Lanvin Couture line, while the Montblanc brand sales were up by 51% for the full year and the Jimmy Choo signature fragrance line gained 36% full year sales growth over the scent’s debut year.

"For 2012, Burberry fragrance sales were up 6% with double-digit growth by the brand’s historic lines and the continuing success of the Burberry Body line, although impacted by lower sales from the Burberry Sport line," Madar added.

"S.T. Dupont fragrance sales rose 5%, and Boucheron has become a meaningful contributor in 2012 with the gradual re-release of the brand’s fragrance collections along with our first initiative, Jaipur Bracelet."

The exit payment of $239m for the Burberry license agreement was received by the company on 21 December 2012 .