Unilever sales jumped more than expected in the first quarter as chief executive Hein Schumacher pushes ahead with his turnaround plan.
Sales rose 4.4 per cent in the first three months of the year, ahead of analyst expectations of 3.5 per cent.
The stock cube and soap maker also increased volumes for the second consecutive quarter as it makes headway in winning back market share. A prolonged period of high inflation has stretched consumer budgets and pushed shoppers to cheaper supermarket brands.
The beauty and wellbeing unit, which includes premium skincare, was the fastest-growing division with sales rising 7.4 per cent.
Stealth sackings: why do employers fire staff for minor misdemeanours?
How much of a threat is Donald Trump to the Irish economy?
MenoPal app offers proactive support to women going through menopause
Ezviz RE4 Plus review: Efficient budget robot cleaner but can suffer from wanderlust under the wrong conditions
Unilever reiterated Thursday that it expects sales growth of between 3 per cent and 5 per cent this year, with a modest improvement in its underlying operating margin.
In March, Unilever announced the spinoff or sale of its ice cream business, which has around €8 billion in annual sales. - Bloomberg
