Unilever is introducing new products such as Dove shower foam to boost sales as it struggles to raise prices on some of the mainstays in its portfolio of products, such as Hellmann’s mayonnaise.
The company introduced five brands to its personal care division last year, including Hijab Fresh, a hand and body lotion aimed at Muslim consumers, and soaps formulated for babies. That move helped Unilever to drive sales growth that beat analyst expectations in the fourth quarter, even as price increases fell short.
The results close out a tough year for Unilever after it rejected an unsolicited takeover bid from Kraft Heinz, sold its margarine brands to private equity firm KKR, and lifted its forecasts for cost savings and profitability to compete with rivals who have increased earnings faster.
The company says that, as US tax cuts boost global economic expansion, it is expecting revenue growth of 3% to 5% this year. Underlying sales rose 4% in the fourth quarter.
@ 2018 - Checkout Magazine by Maev Martin
