Strong First Quarter for Inter Parfums, Inc.

Operating income rose 56% to $16.0 million in the quarter, according to the New York-based fragrance firm.

“Building upon the momentum of last year’s fourth quarter, 2010 is off to a strong start with a 32% sales gain,” said Russell Greenberg, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “With respect to European-based operations, as we reported last month, Burberry brand sales increased 25% in local currency as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. Also in local currency, comparable quarter Lanvin and Van Cleef & Arpels sales rose 20% and 55%, respectively. Expanded international distribution of certain specialty retail fragrances along with a 20% improvement in mass market sales drove the top line growth by U.S.-based operations.”

Inter Parfums’ first Burberry cosmetics collection launches in July at approximately 30 shops globally, and new scents are being readied for Lanvin, Paul Smith, S.T. Dupont and Van Cleef & Arpels. Additionally, the company will begin distributing Montblanc’s legacy fragrances this summer, with a new Montblanc fragrance launch planned for Spring 2011.