Unilever has shared results for its second quarter and the first half of 2021. The company reported underlying sales growth of 5.4% to $30.5 billion for the first half of the year.
 
Beauty and Personal Care underlying sales grew 3.3% with 1.8% from volume and 1.4% from price, with an acceleration to 4.2% underlying sales growth in the second quarter, helped by increased personal care consumption occasions as living restrictions were eased in some of our markets.
 
Skin care grew double digit and deodorants returned to growth. In skin care, Vaseline and Ponds each grew double digit. Skin cleansing declined as the company lapped the sharp increase in demand in the prior year related to Covid-19. Hair grew mid-single digit. Wash and care and styling both grew and we saw good growth in China, India and Brazil. Premium brand Shea Moisture grew double digit in the USA. Oral care grew mid-single digit, led by volume from South Asia and Africa. Unilever’s Prestige Beauty brands grew double digit, with higher in-store footfall.
 
The company increased pricing in response to commodity inflation across categories, particularly in Latin America and South Asia.
 
“Unilever has delivered a strong first half, with underlying sales growth of 5.4% driven by our continued focus on operational excellence,” commented Alan Jope, Unilever CEO. “We are making good progress against the strategic choices outlined earlier this year, including the development of our portfolio into high growth spaces. Prestige Beauty and Functional Nutrition grew strongly and we recently announced the acquisition of digitally-native skin care brand Paula’s Choice. The operational separation of our Tea business is substantially complete. Our ecommerce business grew 50% and the channel now represents 11% of sales.”