Fashion
Pakistan’s cotton arrivals surge 49% to 30.44 lakh bales by end-Sept
The rise in arrivals can be attributed to improved weather conditions and timely crop management in Punjab, while the earlier dip in July was largely due to delayed harvesting and ginning operations—particularly in Sindh—following early-season pest attacks and localised floods. This recovery indicates better field conditions and successful pest control efforts in later months.
Pakistan’s cotton arrivals jumped 49.24 per cent to 30.44 lakh bales of 170 kg each as of September 30, 2025, driven by improved weather and timely crop management in Punjab.
Earlier delays in Sindh stemmed from pest attacks and localized floods.
PCGA data showed 24.09 lakh bales sold to mills and 94,800 bales to exporters.
The rebound follows last season’s recovery.
According to data released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), 24.09 lakh bales of cotton were sold to the textile industry and 94,800 bales to exporters, out of a total of 25.04 lakh bales sold by the end of September. Higher offtake reflects improved demand from mills and exporters anticipating stable yarn orders and export recovery.
Punjab province reported arrivals of 11.36 lakh bales in the first three months of the current season, 56.37 per cent higher than during the same period in 2024. Arrivals in Sindh reached 19.07 lakh bales, 45.29 per cent higher than the previous year. Punjab’s growth was supported by timely sowing and favourable temperatures, while Sindh’s late start improved once weather normalised.
Pakistan recorded total cotton arrivals of 5.524 million bales during the 2024–25 marketing year, 34.18 per cent lower than the 8.303 million bales recorded in 2023–24, as per PCGA data. In 2023–24, production had rebounded after a steep decline in 2022–23, when output was just 4.912 million bales. The lower 2024–25 output reflects lingering effects of climate variability and pest damage.
During the last season, high temperatures damaged crops in Punjab and Sindh. Later, heavy and unseasonal rains caused crop diseases such as whitefly and pink bollworm, resulting in significant losses. However, the crop recovered in the later months of the season due to improved weather conditions. This demonstrates the crop’s resilience when supported by favourable climatic recovery and improved farm management.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Fashion
Switzerland’s Calida narrows sales decline, lifts profit in 2025
The group recorded an operating result (EBIT) of CHF 9 million (~$11.6 million) compared with CHF 4 million in the previous year, lifting the EBIT margin to 4.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent. Excluding Cosabella, the combined EBIT margin of Calida and Aubade reached 6.7 per cent, approaching the company’s medium-term target range. Operating net profit improved significantly to CHF 7.6 million (~$9.8 million) from CHF 0.5 million a year earlier, Calida Group said in a press release.
Calida Group has reported net sales of CHF 215.9 million (~$278.5 million) in 2025, down 5 per cent YoY.
EBIT rose to CHF 9 million (~$11.6 million) and net profit to CHF 7.6 million (~$9.8 million), supported by strong Calida and Aubade performance.
The group maintained solid liquidity and continued Cosabella repositioning while targeting future profitability improvement.
The group maintained a solid financial base with net liquidity of CHF 25.1 million and an adjusted equity ratio of 67.9 per cent, while free cash flow reached CHF 9.8 million. The board proposed a cash dividend of CHF 0.25 per share, corresponding to a payout ratio of 23 per cent in line with its long-term dividend policy.
“After a challenging first half of 2025, the Calida Group developed positively in the second half and achieved operational improvements on sales and profitability. By deliberately and systematically forgoing discount-driven growth and strategically positioning Calida and Aubade in the premium segment, the brands were strengthened in the long-term. Overall, 2025 was another year defined by a persistently challenging market environment,” said Thomas Stocklin, CEO of the Calida Group.
“Geopolitical uncertainty, US trade and tariff policies, and muted consumer sentiment in our core markets impacted the entire industry. In this environment, the Calida Group has demonstrated strategic discipline and, step by step, is evolving in the desired direction. Today, our group is more agile and efficient. Combined with our financial strength, this positions the Calida Group to pursue well-considered organic as well as external growth opportunities, allowing us to look to the future with confidence,” added Stocklin.
Operationally, the company continued implementing its efficiency-focused strategy by reintegrating functions into individual brands, streamlining group management structures and strengthening capabilities across product management, marketing, operations and sales.
Brand-wise, Calida generated sales of CHF 145.1 million, declining modestly as store traffic softened, although e-commerce growth and a strong Christmas season supported second-half performance. The brand improved its operating contribution margin through higher gross margins and ongoing cost optimisation while reinforcing its premium market positioning.
Aubade recorded sales of CHF 58 million amid weak consumer sentiment in France and the strategic withdrawal from unprofitable channels following the pandemic-driven demand surge. Nevertheless, margin performance strengthened through strict cost management, ongoing rebranding initiatives and progress in expanding export markets, particularly in the United States.
Cosabella reported sales of CHF 12.8 million, extending its negative growth trajectory and contributing higher losses as the brand remains in an intensive repositioning phase under strategic review. The group is targeting a turnaround towards operational break-even in 2026.
Overall, the group indicated that organisational restructuring, inventory optimisation and disciplined channel management enhanced agility and cost efficiency, positioning the company for future growth while aiming to improve group profitability further as Cosabella’s performance stabilises.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fashion
Iran conflict and apparel sourcing: Nearshoring on the rise
Fashion
US’ Wolverine Worldwide 2025 revenue rises 6.8% on Active Group growth
The gross margin expanded to 47.3 per cent and diluted earnings per share more than doubled to $1.14 from $0.55.
Wolverine Worldwide has reported revenue of $1.874 billion in 2025, up 6.8 per cent, led by Active Group growth and strong Saucony performance.
Margins and earnings improved, while cash rose and debt declined.
Fourth-quarter revenue increased 4.6 per cent.
CEO Hufnagel highlighted brand momentum and transformation progress.
The company expects 2026 revenue growth with steady margins.
The company strengthened its balance sheet during the year, ending with cash of $206 million, up 35.6 per cent, and net debt reduced 16.2 per cent to $415 million. Inventory increased 10.7 per cent to $274 million, Wolverine Worldwide said in a press release.
The fourth quarter (Q4) revenue rose 4.6 per cent YoY to $517.5 million, supported by strong Active Group growth, particularly Saucony and Merrell. Active Group revenue increased 12.4 per cent to $372.7 million, while Work Group declined 11.3 per cent to $134 million. Gross margin improved to 47 per cent from 43.6 per cent, reflecting product cost savings, favourable mix and price increases, partly offset by higher US tariffs. Diluted earnings per share climbed to $0.38 from $0.28.
“We exceeded our expectations across all key metrics in the fourth quarter, finishing a solid year for the Company. Our biggest brands are growing around the world, direct-to-consumer (DTC) continues to improve, earnings per share increased meaningfully YoY, and I believe we’re finding our footing where we’ve underperformed,” said Chris Hufnagel, president and chief executive officer of Wolverine Worldwide. “I am pleased with our progress in transforming the company and encouraged by the momentum we have carried into 2026. We’re focused squarely on executing our brand-building model with pace and distinction—building awesome products, telling amazing stories, and driving the business each day.”
Looking ahead, Wolverine Worldwide expects fiscal 2026 revenue of $1.96-1.985 billion, representing growth of 4.6-5.9 per cent YoY. The company anticipates gross margin of about 46 per cent, operating margin of roughly 8.8 per cent and diluted earnings per share between $1.31 and $1.46, signalling continued but measured expansion as brand-driven strategy execution progresses, added the release.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
-
Business6 days agoIndia Us Trade Deal: Fresh look at India-US trade deal? May be ‘rebalanced’ if circumstances change, says Piyush Goyal – The Times of India
-
Business7 days agoAttock Cement’s acquisition approved | The Express Tribune
-
Politics1 week agoWhat are Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities?
-
Politics1 week agoUS arrests ex-Air Force pilot for ‘training’ Chinese military
-
Business1 week agoHouseholds set for lower energy bills amid price cap shake-up
-
Fashion7 days agoPolicy easing drives Argentina’s garment import surge in 2025
-
Sports6 days agoLPGA legend shares her feelings about US women’s Olympic wins: ‘Gets me really emotional’
-
Fashion6 days agoTexwin Spinning showcasing premium cotton yarn range at VIATT 2026
