Menu
03/08/2001
Unilever announce first-half profit increase
Consumer goods giant Unilever have announced a 7 per cent rise in half-year pre-tax profits.
For the second quarter, Unilever, the name behind some of the best-known products on supermarket shelves - such as Persil detergent, Flora margarine and Dove soap - reported a higher than expected 54 per cent hike in profits. In common with rival Procter & Gamble, Unilever has dramatically slimmed down its product portfolio and is now focused on 400 leading brands.
The company says it has been encouraged by figures showing sales growth of 5.1 per cent in the three months to 30 June for its top products.
In Europe, sales were 6 per cent ahead in the six month period, although the figure was just 1 per cent up on an underlying basis as Unilever saw ice-cream sales dip by 9 per cent.
Poor weather, which also affected ready-to-drink tea, and the disposal of some lesser known brands was blamed for the fall in ice cream sales.
Underlying sales growth was stronger in the Western European foods business, where the success of Flora pro-activ margarine and new spreads, including Bertolli, have lifted demand.
(GB)
For the second quarter, Unilever, the name behind some of the best-known products on supermarket shelves - such as Persil detergent, Flora margarine and Dove soap - reported a higher than expected 54 per cent hike in profits. In common with rival Procter & Gamble, Unilever has dramatically slimmed down its product portfolio and is now focused on 400 leading brands.
The company says it has been encouraged by figures showing sales growth of 5.1 per cent in the three months to 30 June for its top products.
In Europe, sales were 6 per cent ahead in the six month period, although the figure was just 1 per cent up on an underlying basis as Unilever saw ice-cream sales dip by 9 per cent.
Poor weather, which also affected ready-to-drink tea, and the disposal of some lesser known brands was blamed for the fall in ice cream sales.
Underlying sales growth was stronger in the Western European foods business, where the success of Flora pro-activ margarine and new spreads, including Bertolli, have lifted demand.
(GB)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 November 2018
CMA Launches 'Stop Cartels' Campaign
New research has revealed that many firms don't know enough about how to comply with competition law, according to the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA). Citing this research, the CMA has launched a cartel awareness campaign, which aims to educate businesses about which practices are illegal.
CMA Launches 'Stop Cartels' Campaign
New research has revealed that many firms don't know enough about how to comply with competition law, according to the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA). Citing this research, the CMA has launched a cartel awareness campaign, which aims to educate businesses about which practices are illegal.
04 March 2002
Top Consignia directors decline 10 per cent pay hike
Two senior directors of postal company Consignia have decided not to accept a 10 per cent pay rise following anger among postal unions.
Top Consignia directors decline 10 per cent pay hike
Two senior directors of postal company Consignia have decided not to accept a 10 per cent pay rise following anger among postal unions.
21 February 2002
Oftel urges BT to cut internet costs
Telecommunications regulator Oftel has recommended that BT slash their costs for unmetered Internet access. Oftel wants BT to cut the amount it charges Internet service providers to use their existing telephone network by seven per cent.
Oftel urges BT to cut internet costs
Telecommunications regulator Oftel has recommended that BT slash their costs for unmetered Internet access. Oftel wants BT to cut the amount it charges Internet service providers to use their existing telephone network by seven per cent.
18 June 2002
UK inflation rate falls below two per cent
Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the UK inflation rate fell sharply last month to 1.8% in May from 2.3% in April.
UK inflation rate falls below two per cent
Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the UK inflation rate fell sharply last month to 1.8% in May from 2.3% in April.
04 April 2002
Interest rates remain unchanged at 4 per cent
The Bank of England have announced that UK interest rates will remain unchanged at a 38-year low of four per cent following the monthly meeting of the bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The news was broadly welcomed as the UK, and Europe, continues to slowly edge out of last year's downturn.
Interest rates remain unchanged at 4 per cent
The Bank of England have announced that UK interest rates will remain unchanged at a 38-year low of four per cent following the monthly meeting of the bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The news was broadly welcomed as the UK, and Europe, continues to slowly edge out of last year's downturn.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
