Unilever today announced a 11.5 per cent increase in turnover for the first half of the year, despite “challenging” markets. Turnover hit €25.4 billion in the year’s first six months, with a sales growth of 7 per cent for the FMCG colossus. The company cited increased investment in promotions and advertising as the reason for its “flat” operating margin and net profit rose 1 per cent to €2.4 billion.
The company’s Dove brand had double-digit growth, which underpinned the strong performance of the hair category. Knorr was the driving force behind growth in the savoury foods category, with sales of Knorr jelly bouillon progressing and despite poor weather in northern Europe, ice cream performed well.
Paul Polman, CEO, said, “Despite deteriorating global economic conditions and a competitive environment which remains intense, we again delivered volume growth ahead of our markets and gained value share across the majority of our business.” (26 Jul)
© 2012 ESM European Supermarket Magazine
