11 million Ray-Bans sold in 2005

In 2005 Ray-Ban achieved the historic result of 11 million pairs sold and for the first time exceeded the 10 million mark.

Over the last 36 months, Ray-Ban's average growth has been in excess of 20% and has contributed around 15% to the consolidated billings of Luxottica, the owner of the brand.

'Ray-Ban', said chief executive Andrea Guerra commenting on the results, 'are the number one sunglasses, worldwide. We are convinced that it still has significant possibilities for growth, not only in the markets where it has been established for a long time, but especially where its sales are only at the beginning. I refer to India and China, just to give an example. Ray-Ban is a product that is immediately recognizable and is talked about everywhere. We will be setting in motion certain distribution and marketing strategies to achieve enormous results in the space of a few years'.

In 2006, profits will feel the benefit of the acquisition of Cole National, Luxottica will able to count on the first entire year of Dolce & Gabbana sales, which should ensure 120 million euros, and on the new Burberry collections from September.

This is all in addition to better penetration of consolidated and emergent markets from Turkey to Mexico and China, and the duty free channel, where there is considerable space for growth.

(Source: Il Gazzettino)