Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** Richemont’s strong first-quarter performance, driven by its jewelry segment, underscores the enduring appeal of luxury goods even amid economic uncertainty.
Richemont remains on a growth trajectory: The jewelry and watch group significantly increased sales in the first quarter of the 2026/27 fiscal year, surpassing analysts’ expectations.
Products from the jewelry houses Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels continue to enjoy great popularity.
Group sales climbed by 17% to €6.33 billion in the months from April to June compared to the same period last year, as stated in a press release on Wednesday. Adjusted for currency effects, Richemont would have grown by 20%.
This marks an acceleration from the already high growth pace. In the final quarter of the previous year, sales had grown by 16% on a currency-adjusted basis.
The strong performance continues to be driven by the jewelry business. In the reporting quarter, sales in this segment rose by 21% to €4.37 billion, or 24% on a currency-adjusted basis. Sales from watchmakers, including brands such as IWC and Piaget, lagged behind with a 6% increase to €873 million (adjusted: +8%).
With these sales figures, Richemont clearly surpassed analysts’ expectations in the AWP consensus. They had forecast group sales of €5.91 billion and growth in local currencies of 11.5%.
As usual, the group did not provide any information on earnings development for the start quarter. Management, led by Chairman Johan Rupert, also remained tight-lipped regarding forecasts.
Regionally, the recovery in Asia contributed significantly to Richemont’s success. Sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 21% on a currency-adjusted basis. Business in China, Macau, and Hong Kong grew by double digits overall. A year earlier, the luxury goods sector had suffered from weak consumption in these areas.
Demand remains strong in the US. In the Americas region, Richemont’s sales surged by 27%, while in the Middle East & Africa, despite the regional crisis, growth of 3% was recorded.
