Unilever reports best quarterly sales in over a decade, lifts full-year outlook

Unilever announced that its second‑quarter sales grew 5.8% year‑on‑year, the strongest quarterly performance in the past 16 years. Underlying volume rose 5.5%, the biggest increase since 2010, driven by strong demand in Latin America, India and a World Cup‑linked boost to its Rexona deodorant brand in Brazil and Argentina. The group now expects full‑year sales growth of 4%‑6%, up from the lower end of its previous guidance, and underlying volume growth of about 3% versus the earlier 2% forecast.

Pre‑tax profit for the first half rose to €4.66 billion and operating profit to €4.89 billion. Unilever shares jumped roughly 6% in early London trading. The strong results come as the company prepares a £33.8 billion joint‑venture spin‑off of its food business with US rival McCormick, a deal criticised by some shareholders for lacking a vote. CEO Fernando Fernandez highlighted the importance of the UK market and the contribution of home‑care and personal‑care products to the growth.

The company also noted softer conditions for its food division, especially in the US condiment sector, and said it will target premium and avocado‑based mayonnaise to revive growth.