North American sales for Groupe SEB's businesses totaled US$139.1 million in the first quarter, up 0.6% from the first quarter of 2007. Worldwide, Groupe SEB's first-quarter sales rose 18.2% to $1.1 billion.

 

A Groupe SEB statement said first-quarter U.S. revenues rose 'in a satisfactory way ... despite a tightening economy and lackluster consumer spending.' The company said its T-Fal unit led the way, thanks to its move toward more upmarket products, and to the establishment of Mirro Wearever as an entry-level brand. In addition, the Rowenta unit enjoyed a good first quarter, thanks to sales of its steam generators.

 

Revenue for the Krups unit contracted in the first quarter, in spite of a strong March keyed by the introduction of the BeerTender home draught-beer maker. Sales for All-Clad were also slow in the first quarter, although March sales were 'fairly encouraging,' the company said.