Orlando-based Tupperware Brands Corp. on Wednesday reported record first quarter 2011 sales and profit, with double-digit growth in earnings and sales, and raised its outlook for the year.

The company generated $636.4 million in sales – an increase in local currency of 10 percent and 14 percent when a positive impact from foreign exchange rates is figured in. Profit was $55.8 million, or 90 cents per share, up 18 percent over the same time period last year.

Analysts on average had expected earnings of 85 cents a share, before special items, on revenue of $606.4 million, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

In general, "we continue to have confidence in our ability to sustain growth, and we look forward to the promising road ahead," chief executive officer Rick Goings said in a statement.

The company raised its full-year outlook, saying it expects diluted earnings per share to be $4.45 to $4.55 excluding certain items – 22 cents higher than it had previously predicted.

The company said an extra week in the first quarter helped with the results. But many emerging markets had double-digit sales increases.

Also, the United States and Canadian divisions had a 18 percent increase in sales in the quarter, driven by a focus on sales-force recruiting.

Sales in Russia plunged 32 percent, reflecting soft consumer spending and a smaller sales force. The company said it expects improved performance later in the year.

The company's BeautiControl in North America had an 7 percent decrease in sales but showed improvement in the quarter driven by aggressive investment in sales force recruiting.

spedicini@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5240.