Consumer products giant Unilever has reported its Q1 results and they show varying performances across its different divisions.

The Anglo-Dutch consumer products giant has operations ranging from foods to household goods, personal care and beauty. And it’s these last two units that we’ll focus on.

Overall turnover fell 0.9% to €14.8 billion although underlying sales growth (USG) was 3%. In Beauty & Wellbeing, turnover rose 2.9% to €3.3 billion and was up 4.1% on a USG basis. Meanwhile in Personal Care, turnover fell 4.4%, also to €3.3 billion, but was up 5.1% USG.

Beauty & Wellbeing accounted for 22% of Q1 group turnover and that 4.1% USG rise divided into 2.5% from volume and 1.5% from price. Growth was driven by a strong Wellbeing performance, that was partially offset by a slower Beauty market.

Hair Care was flat with low-single-digit price rises offset by a low-single-digit volume decline. Dove grew in mid-single-digits, supported by its relaunch with “cutting edge fibre repair technology, new packaging and design”.

Its largest haircare brand, Sunsilk, was flat as it lapped a strong double-digit growth comparator and faced some destocking in Brazil. Nexxus grew strongly in double-digits, which was supported by the launch of its HY-Volume range. Clear declined as market growth remained challenged in its primary market, China.

Core Skin Care grew in low-single-digits driven by low-single-digit volume expansion. Both Vaseline and Dove continued to grow in double-digits though, supported by the rollouts of Vaseline’s Pro Derma Ceramide range and Dove’s body serums across the Americas. Pond’s launched its new Ultra Light Biome range across Asia which uses its cera-hyamino technology to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.

Prestige Beauty declined in low-single-digits “reflecting the slowdown in the beauty market”. But the group’s Hourglass and Tatcha brands continued to grow in double-digits as Paula’s Choice and Dermalogica declined. K18, a premium biotech haircare brand, grew in strong double-digits.

Personal Care also made up 22% of Q1 group turnover and its 5.1% USG growth divided into 2.7% from volume and 2.4% from price.

Dove, which represents around 40% of Personal Care’s turnover, grew in high-single-digits, boosted by both price and volume. This growth was driven by the continued success and rollout of Dove’s serum shower collection and whole-body deodorants. Its performance was also supported by its Super Bowl advertising campaign.

Skin Cleansing grew in low-single-digits and Dove led the charge again with strong performances in North America and Europe. The brand’s success was supported by Dove Men+Care, which introduced a new range of premium naturals and relaunched its core range with updated packaging and design.

Author Credits- Sandra Halliday, FASHION NETWORK