Swatch Group hit yet another new trading high in 2013, raking in gross sales of CHF8.82 billion (£5.92bn) over the year – a rise of 8.3% on 2012 – and said it has a "positive outlook" on business in 2014.
The growth in sales was won in the face of negative exchange rates and the group said that it achieved a "clear gain in market share" over the course of the year.
Gross sales at its watch and jewellery division achieved 8.6% growth, including production, generating CHF8.53 billion (£5.72bn) in 2013. This growth was achieved against a backdrop of total Swiss watch exports up just 1.8% between January and November, 2013.
Swatch Group, which represents 20 brands, has continued to ramp up its production capabilities and in the group said that it has measures in place to achieve further "additional increases in capacity" in 2014.
A statement from Swatch Group said: "Based on the strong start by all brands in the first few days of January, dynamic growth is expected for the entire year 2014."
