Unilever has announced turnover of €51.3bn in 2012, a year on year increase of 10.5%. Underlying sales growth was 6.9% comprising volume growth of 3.4% and price growth of 3.3%. In the fourth quarter, underlying sales growth was 7.8%.
Commenting on the results, ceo Paul Polman said: “These results have been achieved in tough economic conditions with volatile commodity costs and in an intensely competitive environment. They reflect the progress made in delivering bigger, better innovations and rolling them out faster, improving our execution in the market place and increased discipline driving savings in all areas of business.”
In emerging markets, Q4 underlying sales growth was 10.8% and full year underlying sales growth was 11.4%, while developed markets grew 4.0% in Q4 and 1.6% in the full year. Indeed, emerging markets now represent 55% of Unilever’s turnover.
The company’s personal care business finished the year with double-digit growth with Tresemmé in particular enjoying an excellent Q4, reflecting strength in Brazil and the impact of recent launches in India and Indonesia.