Faber-Castell posts double-digit growth again

Faber-Castell has now exceeded pre-pandemic levels with over 15% turnover in currency-adjusted terms. The Group has made strong gains in all areas and regions. Markets in the Americas developing particularly well.

Stein, Germany - Faber-Castell has now financially put the pandemic firmly behind it with a Group turnover of 522,6 million euros (previous year: 452,0 million euros). In the last fiscal year 21/22, Faber Castell Group achieved a +15.6% increase in turnover that clearly exceeded its own expectations. Adjusted for currency effects, i.e., assuming stable exchange rates, the year-on-year turnover increase is +14,4 %, which is slightly above the pre-Covid year 19/20. “The order books are well filled,” says CEO Stefan Leitz. At the same time, he warns against euphoria: “Our company’s entire supply chain and supplier situation is very strained. The massive increases in energy, logistics and raw material costs mean that, more than ever before, we must guarantee accurate forecasts, and ensure cost control and close teamwork within the Group.”

The cosmetics division (OEM business) suffered particularly from the pandemic but was able to again show strong growth in the past business year. The retail stationery business recovered globally, generating growth in the Playing & Learning, Premium and General Writing & Marking product segments. The US and Brazilian markets benefited from an above-average number of orders. The rest of the South American market also grew after recent sharp declines in sales due to lockdowns, some of which lasted for months. In particular, school closures in the pandemic years 2020 and 2021 significantly impacted the important back-to-school business in some South American countries. Although the company does not usually provide information on its profit, Leitz has revealed that these continue to develop upwards. In addition to the sales development, the successfully implemented restructuring measures had a positive effect on the FY 2021/22 EBIT.

CEO Stefan Leitz is “very satisfied” with the way business is developing. He and his management team only recently presented the Group’s five-year growth program under the title ‘One Faber-Castell – creating a colorful future’. This builds on the brand's strength, its global market presence, further innovation, and the synergies of international cooperation, while Faber-Castell’s leading position in sustainability is also to be further expanded.