ZURICH, July 17 (Reuters) - Richemont reported a 14% increase in sales during its first quarter as the world's second biggest luxury group continued to see strong demand for its high-end jewellery.
The owner of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery makers and several high-end watch brands said a strong rebound in the Asia-Pacific region more than offset "muted" sales in the Americas.
Sales in the Asia Pacific increased by 32% helped by the lifting of COVID-related restrictions and the reopening of borders.
In contrast, sales in the Americas fell by 4%, Richemont said.
Overall, Richemont said its sales increased by 14% to 5.322 billion euros ($5.97 billion) in the three months to the end of June. The increase, when measured in constant currencies, was 19%.
Analysts at Barclays had expected sales of 5.43 billion euros while those at Bank Vontobel had expected 5.54 billion euros. Richemont does not report first quarter profit.
($1 = 0.8908 euros)
Reporting by John Revill, Editing by Rachel More
Source: Reuters