Multinational consumer goods firm Reckitt Benckiser has reported a rise in sales, as well as forecasting further growth for 2014 despite experiencing what it called "challenges in emerging markets".
Annual revenue rose 5% to £10.04 billion and the UK consumer goods maker said it expects a similar rate of growth this year. Fourth-quarter net revenue grew 5% to £2.5 billion.
However, the company did report a slight fall in full year profit.
Reckitt, which makes everything from Durex condoms to Nurofen painkillers and French's mustard, reported a net profit of £1.74 billion for the year ended 31 December, compared with £1.83 billion a year earlier.
"Market conditions are more challenging now than at the beginning of last year, particularly in some emerging markets," said Chief Executive Rakesh Kapoor, who also said that Russia had struggled in recent months.
He said: "We are very pleased with the continued strength of our Europe and North America performance.
"And, while emerging markets continue to slow, we delivered very strong results in India and China.
Some of their brands include Nurofen, Scholl, Strepsils, Clearasil, Finish, Calgon and Vanish.
© 2014 - European Supermarket Magazine by Enda Dowling
