L’Oréal sales have increased by 4.7% in first-half 2013, compared to the second-half 2012 (+5.4% like-for-like, i.e. based on a comparable structure and identical exchange rates). These figures, considered as “slightly disappointing” by the market led to the company’s stock today in Paris.

Although market growth has been slightly slowing down, L’Oréal continued to demonstrate its good dynamics and recorded a solid first half. Each division and zone is growing and outperforming its market. The trends of the Group’s flagship brands are favourable, and more than ever before, our major product initiatives are really making a difference. They are enabling significant breakthroughs in Western Europe and North America. And in the New Markets, the four regions are achieving strong growth and are contributing to improve our positions,” said Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman and CEO of the group.

Strong luxury sales

By division, like-for-like sales rose by 6.3% for the Consumer Products division (EUR 5.7 billion), 6.4% for Luxury products (EUR 2.8 billion), 7.7% for the Active Cosmetics division (EUR 907 billion), 1.4% for the Professional Products Division, “still held back by a difficult market,” but that is “picking up slightly.

Middle East and Africa boost sales

In Western Europe, where the market is declining slightly, with a negative southern Europe, and the rest of Europe remaining more or less stable, L’Oréal recorded growth of 1.7%, like-for-like. Sales in Eastern Europe were up 8.4%.

In North America, the group achieved growth of +5.4% and of +13.5% in South America.

In Asia-Pacific, L’Oréal recorded growth of +8.0%. If Japan is excluded, like-for-like growth reached +9.2%.

Highest growth rate was reached in Africa and in Middle East at +15.1% like-for-like. By country, sales are particularly dynamic in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. Egypt is posting solid growth despite the difficult context. The recent acquisition of Interconsumer Products Limited (ICP) is strengthening the Group’s presence in the markets of Eastern Africa.