Waterford Wedgwood Record Sales And New Acquisition

Waterford Wedgwood said sales of its products have leapt a record 30% in the last six months. The group said sales in the half year to June 30 had risen to Euros 447m (£263m), compared with Euros 342m (£201.5m) reported in the same period a year earlier. In the company's crystal division, new products accounted for 40% of total sales of Euros 178m (£105m). The division is due to launch a new range called "Gifts of Expression" in the autumn. Crystal sales in the Uk were up 10%, while Ireland rose 18%. On the ceramics side, overall sales were up 18%.