Expansion of perfume business boosts Robertet results
6.5% growth to €195m in first half 2011
French aroma and perfume design, production and marketing group Robertet has posted 6.5% growth to €195m in the first half 2011, helped especially by expansion of the perfume business which accounts for about 35% of total turnover. Profits went up 11% in the first half.
The company's output is based on natural materials which are processed at its two units in Grasse in the south of France before being used in perfumes or aroma production. Clients currently include Chanel, Dior, Senoble and L'Occitane.
Robertet president Philippe Maubert said the perfumery business had gone through a revival in recent months in the wake of a series of product launches. However, he does not exclude the prospect of a market slowdown.
A number of industry analysts' forecasts point to a rise in group sales of about 5% this year after a 19% surge last year. The increased cost of raw materials – up about 10% – is expected to depress margins.
Robertet's strategy is for expansion in the new and emerging markets after setting up 15 sites worldwide. Maubert said China and southeast Asia was a priority because the company needed a larger presence there. A new production plant was opened in Beijing in
2010.