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.
11 April 2002
UK new investment projects fall
The latest Ernst & Young European Investment Monitor survey has revealed that the number of new investment projects into Europe in 2001 fell by 12 per cent on 2000 figures. Countries that performed poorly in 2001 included the UK with a 34 per cent decline from 575 projects to 377.
UK new investment projects fall
The latest Ernst & Young European Investment Monitor survey has revealed that the number of new investment projects into Europe in 2001 fell by 12 per cent on 2000 figures. Countries that performed poorly in 2001 included the UK with a 34 per cent decline from 575 projects to 377.
20 December 2001
Business success relies on effective investment
According to the Department of Trade and Industry there is a positive relationship between effective capital investment (Capex) and company performance.
Business success relies on effective investment
According to the Department of Trade and Industry there is a positive relationship between effective capital investment (Capex) and company performance.
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.
02 October 2001
NI lags behind UK in designating stakeholder pensions
Only two thirds of Northern Ireland businesses have designated a stakeholder pension provider compared with the UK average of 85 per cent a new report shows.
NI lags behind UK in designating stakeholder pensions
Only two thirds of Northern Ireland businesses have designated a stakeholder pension provider compared with the UK average of 85 per cent a new report shows.
14 August 2001
UK R&D spend is below European average
The latest figures on research and development (R&D) spending shows that the UK lags behind the European average and falls well below the US. Figures released by the Office of National Statistics revealed that the UK spent £16.7 billion, equivalent to 1.83 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on research and development in 1999.
UK R&D spend is below European average
The latest figures on research and development (R&D) spending shows that the UK lags behind the European average and falls well below the US. Figures released by the Office of National Statistics revealed that the UK spent £16.7 billion, equivalent to 1.83 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on research and development in 1999.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
