Unilever sales increase in Q1, boosted by growth in emerging markets

By Laura Mullan
Consumer goods giant, Unilever, has announced its results for the first quarter of 2018, reported underlying sales growth of 3.7% compared to the prior...

Consumer goods giant, Unilever, has announced its results for the first quarter of 2018, reported underlying sales growth of 3.7% compared to the prior year. 

The Anglo-Dutch firm said that the increase was partly due to its strong performance in emerging markets and foodservice channels. 

Unilever that innovations behind its premium ice cream brands also contributed to the positive results, as the company rolled out its successful Ben & Jerry’s non-dairy platform from the US into Europe and also launched variants of Magnum Core and Praline. 

SEE ALSO:

On top of this, the firm’s loose tea offering also added to the uptick in sales, driven by new innovations and market leadership. 

Unilever said that Pukka Herbs organic herbal tea business which it acquired last year also performed well.

On top of this, the consumer goods giant said that it was successfully modernising its portfolio, responding to fast-growing segments such as ‘free-from’, vegan, health and wellness. 

Speaking of the results, CEO Paul Polman said: “The first quarter demonstrates another good volume-driven performance across all three Divisions.
“The broad-based growth, including over 4% volume growth in emerging markets, shows that the ‘Connected 4 Growth’ programme is working and enhancing our long-term compounding growth model.
“We are further improving the quality and speed of our global and local innovation as a result of a more agile, consumer-facing organisation.
He added: “At the same time, we are maintaining strong delivery from our savings programmes and expecting to complete the exit from spreads in the middle of the year.” 
 

Share

Featured Articles

Starbucks on Carbon Neutral Coffee Journey

Starbucks is reducing its carbon and water footprints and delivering bold solutions, says Michelle Burns, EVP Global Coffee, Social Impact & Sustainability

Unilever: Gen Z Tastes Driving Culinary Innovation

Unilever Food Solutions Future Menu Trends reports shows adventurous Gen Z tastes are shaping menus and that plant protein use is on the rise

Nestlé & Cargill Combine to Cut Cocoa Carbon Emissions

Nestlé has joined forces with key supplier Cargill to regenerate land around cocoa farms and cut carbon emissions in its su

Unilever to Sell off Ice Cream, With Loss of 7.5K Jobs

Food

Nestlé Cuts 2023 GHGs by 13.5% as it Targets Supply Chain

Food

PepsiCo boost for Hispanic-owned Food & Beverage Start-ups

Food