Unilever cites innovation as key to growth

Sales for the first-quarter period remained relatively steady, despite the economic situation, dropping just 1% to EUR 9.5bn compared to the same period in 2008.

Unilever chief executive Paul Polman said the results were “solid given today’s trading environment” and that the company had made good progress implementing plans to boost growth.

“We will further step up innovation and brand support from the second quarter and expect this to drive an improved volume performance,” he added.

The company has increased the speed at which innovations are rolled out and has introduced new products which, it said, offered better value for money.

In Western Europe, for example, Unilever has already released new Dove products, including hair-minimising deodorant and damage-repair shampoo.

Unilever has also placed a greater emphasis on “superior functional benefits” of its products “backed up by clinical proofs and strong communication”.

Unilever operates in the food, personal and home care sectors across Asia, Africa, the Americas and Western Europe. Its brands include Surf, Vaseline and Pot Noodle.

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