Unilever lifts sales

6th Aug 2009 07:17

Shares in Unilever advanced after the food and household goods giant managed to lift sales volumes as it cut prices and launched new products. Turnover at the maker of Surf washing powder and Knorr soups in the second quarter of 2009 climbed to €10.46bn from €10.37bn over the same period a year previously. Pre-tax profits slipped to €1.20bn from €1.35bn.Unilever has been seeing growth in sales volumes, but has had to advertise heavily while seeking to keep prices low.'While conditions remain difficult in many markets, I am encouraged by the return to volume growth across all regions and the majority of countries and categories,' said chief executive Paul Polman.'More of our brands are improving share again behind strong innovations, greater consumer value, increased marketing support and better execution.'Sales of home care products, up 9.9%, performed particularly well helped by new product launches such as Cif cleaning agent in India and 'clear and fresh' Surf detergents.Unilever's results come the day after US rival Procter & Gamble posted lower profits in the three months to June 30 as cash-strapped consumers cut back on branded products such as Pringles crisps and Pampers nappies.