The company posted turnover of €12.1bn driven by underlying sales growth ahead of the market at 7.8 per cent. Personal care is still the largest business segment with turnover of €4.1bn and sales growth of 11.3 per cent.
“I am pleased to report another good quarterly performance, with particularly strong growth in Personal Care and the emerging markets, reinforcing our position as the emerging markets consumer goods company,” commented Paul Polman, CEO.
Growth was strong across all categories with personal care leading the way, which Polman attributes to the acquisitions of Alberto Culver and Concern Kalina earlier in the year.
“[We] continue to strengthen the portfolio through bolt-on acquisitions. The integration of Sara Lee and Alberto Culver has progressed well and we are beginning to leverage some of these brands into new markets – for example TRESemmé is already being launched in Brazil,” he said.
“In addition, the recently announced acquisition of Concern Kalina, the leading local Personal Care company in Russia, will significantly strengthen our business in this important market.”
Dove flying high
In the segment, hair delivered robust growth with particularly strong performances from the Dove brand. TRESemmé is also being launched in Brazil, less than six months after the completion of the Alberto Culver acquisition.
According to the figures, deodorants growth accelerated in the quarter and healthy market share gains were achieved. The Dove brand was again a success with the Men+Care deodorant performing well in particular, as well as the Rexona and Axe brands which were launched in Kenya during the quarter.
Skin also continued to reflect the success of Dove Nutrium and Dove Men+Care. Vaseline also delivered rapid growth, this time in Asia, in part due to the successful Vaseline for Men launch.
The Sara Lee acquisition also proved its worth in oral care as the Close Up Fire Freeze and Prodent White Now brands were launched. Despite the weak state of the market, the Sara Lee body care business has also advanced well, according to Unilever.