News

Global tackle giant Rapala VMC Corporation has shown continued sales growth over the past year and a rise in operating profits.

According to its just-released 2025 financial statement, the company sales were up three per cent from 220.9 million Euros in 2024 to 227.5 million Euros for 225.

Its operating profit for the last financial year came in 6.2 per cent higher than 2024, at 8.4 million Euros, although this was tempered by a drop in net profit of 0.4 per cent, due mainly to non-cash foreign currency translation loss from discontinued manufacturing operations.

The mainstay of success was in the USA, with sales up by 10 per cent compared to last year, thanks in part to two successive strong ice fishing seasons plus the successful launch of the 13 Fishing product range and strong performance from CrushCity soft plastic lures alongside VMC hooks and rigs.

However there were drops in business in the Nordic countries (down nine per cent, due in part to poor snow conditions in Finland), the rest of Europe (down four per cent, mainly from retailer inventory carryover from the previous year) and Asia although Latin America received a boost, thanks to the new Okuma distribution deal in Chile.

President and CEO Cyrille Viellard said: “Rapala VMC confirms its long-term trajectory and recovery path, increasing comparable operating profit by 35 per cent at 8.4million Euros (6.2 million last year) and improving its financing conditions in the midst of highly disrupted international trade.

“A big thanks to all our global team members for their dedication and commitment that have led to improve our fundaments and embarked enthusiastically in our brand driven strategy for long term sustainable success.

“Cashflow from operations stands at 5.5 million Euros (23.4 million last year) impacted in the second half by inventory value increases from tariffs as well as seasonal overall larger working capital needs from stronger North American winter fishing.

“Cashflow remains number one priority. One-time non-cash reclassifications of translation adjustments following final liquidations of both Indonesian and Russian lure factories impact significantly 2025 operating profits increasing gap to 2024 which, on the other hand, benefited from a one-off financial decision to sell and lease back Canadian warehouse facilities. Rapala VMC is today more focused, leaner and stronger.

“Rapala VMC’s strategy is built on long-term brand building through ownership, innovation and excellence in marketing, best in class operations and customer service as well as solid supplier partnerships.

“Rapala VMC will continue to streamline its operations, reduce its breakeven point and invest in innovation. Brand driven strategy implementation is going according to plan.

“Management teams of core brands are set up with passionate and expert team members focused on their individual market segments. Strategies have been defined and action plans are in place.

“In the midst of overall market uncertainties in leisure activities following continued trade war and high intensity conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, we are operationally and strategically aligned to build a stronger business and in 2026, our efforts to improve our fundamentals gives us confidence. 2026 is an important milestone as we celebrate the 90 years of our flagship Rapala brand.”

rapalavmc.com