Price increases lead to higher turnover for Unilever

Despite a 0.1 % volume drop, Unilever has raised its first quarter turnover by 6.1 % as price increases and exchange rate fluctuations helped to boost turnover.

Growth exceeds market average

Over the first three months of 2017, Unilever’s turnover reached 13.3 billion euro, with its autonomous turnover up 2.9 % thanks to 3 % price increases. The sales volume dropped 0.1 %, but if the “spreads” division, which is up for sale, is excluded, autonomous growth would have been 3.4 %. For its full fiscal year, Unilever expects an autonomous turnover growth between 3 and 5 %. 

“The first quarter shows growth once more ahead of our markets. This reflects our continued investment in both innovations and brand support, and reconfirms the strength of our long term sustainable compounding growth model”, CEO Paul Polman said. Unilever mainly achieved growth in the emerging markets, with a 6.1 % autonomous turnover growth, including 0.8 % from higher volumes.  

Turnover for ‘Home Care and Personal Care’ grew 3.4 % including 2.7 % from higher prices. “Food and Refreshment” had a 2.2 % turnover increase, but volumes dropped 1.1 %. One of the first quarter’s best performers was ice cream, with brands like Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s.