(Yicai) March 6 -- Adidas said the German sportswear giant's Chinese unit reported double-digit growth in revenue on a currency-neutral basis last year, with China remaining one of its most important markets.

Adidas China's revenue rose 10.3 percent to EUR3.4 billion (USD3.8 billion) in the 12 months ended Dec. 31 from the year before, the Herzogenaurach-based firm said in an earnings report yesterday. For the fourth quarter, income jumped 16.1 percent to EUR794 million (USD857 million) from a year ago, climbing for the seventh straight quarter.

A currency-neutral basis for calculating income is a non-generally accepted accounting principle metric that adjusts for the impact of exchange rates.

Adidas' global revenue rose 12 percent to EUR23.7 billion (USD25.6 billion) last year from the prior one while returning to profitability with an operating profit of EUR1.2 billion. For the fourth quarter, its income rose 19 percent to EUR6 billion.

Adidas has granted full autonomy to its China arm to strengthen localized operations, letting it manage all business aspects, from production and marketing to channel development, the subsidiary told Yicai. By allying with Chinese suppliers to upgrade supply chain capabilities, over 80 percent of the company products are now made in the country, it added.

Adidas China will continue to focus on its 'In China, For China' strategy, deepen localization efforts, and drive growth through sports performance and sports fashion, ensuring that every aspect of business, from products and services to sports culture, better meets the needs of Chinese athletes and consumers, said Managing Director Adrian Siu.

While visiting the country last year, Bjørn Gulden, chief executive of Adidas, announced plans to prioritize China as the launch market for more innovative products.

Editor: Martin Kadiev