Recently, the Leica Camera Group achieved another increase in sales revenue for the 2022 fiscal year 2023 (April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023). Compared to the previous fiscal year (44.4 billion euros), sales in 2022 and fiscal year 2023 rose to 48.5 billion euros, a significant increase of 9% and a record high. This is the third year in a row that the Leica Camera Group has set a new record, demonstrating the outstanding quality of Leica products and the significant improvement in the company's operating conditions.
One of the key factors in the success of the past fiscal year was the Leica M11, which is part of the current Leica rangefinder systems. The launch of the Leica sports optics product range, such as binoculars and thermal imaging cameras, has been a hit since its launch, increasing sales revenue and contributing to record sales in fiscal year 2022 23. Matthias Harsch, CEO of Leica Cameras, said: "With the launch of the Leica M11-P, Leica has set an example of authentic imagery in today's rapidly evolving world of fake** and AI-generated images. "The Leica M System has been Leica's flagship product since 1954, and 2024 will mark the 70th anniversary of the Leica M System. In addition, demand for the Leica Q3 full-frame camera continues to be strong (now in its third generation), and it is appreciated for its outstanding performance, ease of operation and high-end quality. Positive feedback has also been received on the SL mirrorless camera system and lenses.
With the opening of new Leica stores in Paris, Mexico City, Amsterdam and New York in 2023 and 2024, including Leica Gallery, Leica AG has further consolidated its strategically important high-end market presence. Currently, Leica has more than 100 boutiques worldwide. Compared to the previous year, sales in directly operated stores increased by 16 million euros (13%).
As part of the Leica brand culture, the Leica community is constantly expanding through a variety of photographic art campaigns. The Leica Gallery and the Leica Academy worldwide have made a significant contribution to this. Leica AG currently operates 27 Leica galleries, the largest network of galleries in the world and growing. Together with the Leica World in Witzler-Leitzpark, the headquarters of the Leica Group, these galleries bring the glamour of photography to life as a 21st-century cultural experience.
The market expansion of new businesses also contributed to revenue growth. In addition to the strategic cooperation with smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi in the field of mobile imaging, the focus of the mobile business is on the further development of the "Leitz phone", which is currently only available in Japan. Leica also launched its own cinema-grade TV (Leica Cine 1), which is Leica's first appearance in the home theater segment, bringing outstanding Leica picture quality into a home theater-quality experience.