Extremely increased billings for Sover eyewear

For leading eyewear company Sover of Soverzene (Belluno), the first six months of 2006 closed with billings of 21 million euros, an increase of 20.4% compared to the same period last year.

According to the note published, the half-year result is in line with the operating forecast and there has also been +47.5% growth in exports. The Sover group has a significant share of the markets outside Italy with considerable increases in Russia (+12.4%); Romania (+27.8%), and South Korea (+133.9%). In Italy, the Sover group recorded an increase of 30.4%.

The production of Sover, licensee for sunglasses and vision frames of Alviero Martini, Mariella Burani and Baldinini, has reached 500 thousand pairs being distributed to 1500 outlets in Italy and abroad.

«With only a few exceptions», said Vittorio Cannicci, Sover group vice-chairman, «the last period was certainly positive. The Mariella Burani collection, presented at end 2005, only slightly affected group performance and we will see the first tangible results only when the current season gets underway, whereas the Lotto collection stopped at end 2005. Excellent sales for Alviero Martini thanks to growth in Italy as well as in certain markets abroad».

Sover is also aiming at the Far East and is preparing to launch special eyewear suitable for 'almond-shaped' eyes. 'We have a close sub-licensing agreement with a Korean company, Seesun Fashion, which is based in Daegu, for the production in situ of frames changed to suit the Korean market', Sover chairman Paolo Cannicci explained. 'The first collection will be presented between March and April next year'.