Dufry reports strong 2017 results from high growth in Asia

Swiss travel retail operator Dufry says its sales in its Asia-Australia-Middle East division rose 5.4 per cent last year with most markets contributing to the improvement.

Turnover was CHF809.1 million (US$849 million) last year, up from CHF770.7 million the previous year.

The company said both its Hong Kong and Macau businesses recorded a comeback, with double-digit growth in the second half of the year.

Sales grew in South Korea, despite reduced visitor numbers from Mainland China.

“Other operations including Cambodia and Bali also performed well, while Melbourne recovered in the second semester, after the implementation of the New Generation Store and the comprehensive refurbishment undergone in the first half year,” the company said.

Globally, Dufry achieved sales of CHF8.377 billion, up 7 per cent year on year, while profit exceeded CHF1 billion for the first time in the company’s history.