Unilever’s Sales Beat Forecasts on Strong Beauty Demand, Firmer Prices

Unilever’s third-quarter underlying sales growth has topped market expectations, driven by demand for its beauty products across North America and emerging markets, while the company maintained its annual outlook, Yadarisa Shabong and Alexander Marrow reported for Reuters.

Like its consumer goods peers, Unilever is also streamlining operations, cutting costs, and aiming to bolster margins.

Unilever — owner of Dove soap and Hellmann’s mayonnaise — has in recent years shifted its focus toward high-margin, premium products through innovation and acquisitions, particularly in beauty and personal care, while expanding in key markets such as India and the U.S.

Like its consumer goods peers, it is also streamlining operations, cutting costs, and aiming to bolster margins under new CEO Fernando Fernandez, amid weak consumer sentiment and global economic uncertainty.

“We’re shaping a brand portfolio that’s built for the future — with more Beauty, Wellbeing, and Personal Care, prioritizing premium segments and digital commerce, and anchoring our growth in the U.S. and India,” said Fernandez, who took the helm in March.

This week, Unilever delayed the spin-off of its Magnum-led ice cream business, originally scheduled for November 10, due to the U.S. government shutdown.