Italian luxury company Prada has reported a nine per cent sales growth in the 12 months through January.

Prada said sales growth was strong in all markets including in Asia Pacific where it achieved a growth of 11 per cent. Greater China made a fundamental contribution to the growth with sales for the year of 826 million euros ($1.1 billion), up 15 per cent.

Despite the difficult economic environment, the American and European market also performed well, with growth of 11 and five per cent, the company said.

“Against an unfavourable background of exchange rate volatility and the ongoing negative economic situation in Europe, we have maintained one of the highest rates of growth in the sector and have continued to pursue our objectives of retail growth,” said group CEO Patrizio Bertelli.

Prada has added 79 stores in the past year taking its the tally to 540.