Burberry prevails in 'challenging' trading environment

Luxury fashion brand Burberry has posted a strong rise in revenue as the British brand continues to defy an "uncertain" market.

Revenue in the six months leading to 31 March was up by 9% to £1.4bn ($2bn, €1.9bn) with its focus on the Asia Pacific market seemingly paying dividends.

Retail and wholesale revenue in the Asia Pacific region jumped by 4% to £553m in comparison to the same period last year – the strongest performing region for the brand.

However, Burberry said that growth in Hong Kong was "decelerating" but the Americas and Europe, Middle East, India & Africa (EMEIA) locations scored double digit growth to offset any damage.

Christopher Bailey, chief creative and executive officer, said: "We are pleased to report a robust second half performance, despite an uncertain external environment.

Bailey said customers "responded strongly to product innovation, especially in our core British-made heritage trench coats and scarves, while we continued to invest in digital and retail initiatives, including flagship openings in Los Angeles and Japan".

"We anticipate external challenges will continue in the current year," he said.

Burberry shares were up by 2.13% to 1,823.42p in early morning trading on the back of the results.