(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 30 apr - The UK consumer goods company Unilever said that in the first quarter sales fell a reported 3.3% but rose an underlying 3.8%, reflecting 2.9% volume growth and 0.9% price growth.

The strong volume growth was led by Power Brands, which grew underlying sales by 5.0%, with 4.0% volume growth. All business groups delivered volume growth, with strong volumes in Home Care driven by an acceleration in key emerging markets.

Beauty & Wellbeing saw sales of 3.1 billion euros, down a reported 5.4% but up an underlying 3.6%, while Personal Care rose a reported 0.6% and an underlying 3.7% to 3.3 billion euros. Home Care was 2.6% lower on a reported basis and up 6.1% on an underlying basis to 3.0 billion euros. Foods, which is currently in the process of being combined with McCormick, posted a 5.6% reported drop and an underlying 2.2% increase to 3.2 billion euros.

Unilever confirmed its full year 2026 outlook. The company expects underlying sales growth to be at the bottom end of its multi-year guidance range of 4-6%, with at least 2% underlying volume growth for the full year. It also expects a modest improvement in underlying operating margin for the.

full year versus 20.0% in 2025.

(RADIOCOR) 30-04-26 08:57:55 (0213) 5 NNNN