The company pins this on the innovations of its current brands, as well as its continued moves to expand its portfolio in ‘attractive segments and channels’.
Most recently, the multinational consumer goods player announced its acquisition of a 75% stake in the Italian personal care business Equilibra. This followed several acquisitions in the sector last year, a roundup of which can be found here.
It notes, however that growth in the second quarter however was negatively affected by the truckers’ strike in Brazil as well as challenging competitive conditions in Europe and South East Asia.
“Against this backdrop, skin care performed well, driven by Vaseline’s successful market development campaign, Pond’s and Lakme in India,” the company explains.
Prestige, premium out in front
The prestige business led Unilever’s personal care and beauty performance over the recent half year, and demonstrated broad-based first half growth of more than 6%.
Some of its 2017 acquisitions - Carver, Sundial Brands and Schmidt’s - all grew strongly and are set to contribute to underlying sales growth from twelve months after completion.
Skin cleansing delivered good growth helped by new premium formats too.
These included aerosol mousse which delivers an improved sensorial experience and was launched across five brands in Europe, and the launch of Dove body polish in North America.
Hair care and deodorants: volume growth
In hair care, Unilever says that volume-led growth was driven by Sunsilk and Dove, helped by their successful expansion into natural propositions with on-trend ingredients.
Deodorants returned to good volume growth, helped by innovations such as Rexona antibacterial and invisible, which offers both odour and stain protection, while price growth was negative as we stepped up promotional activity.