Unilever Reports Slower Sales Growth In 1Q 2013 Compared With 2012

Unilever reported sales grew 4.9 percent in the first quarter of 2013, compared with the 8.4 percent growth in same period in 2012. Turnover rose 0.2 percent, while volume grew 2.2 percent, and price was up 2.6 percent. Currency weakness in markets, including Brazil, India, South Africa, Indonesia, and Argentina caused turnover rates to fall by 3.5 percent. Unilever said emerging markets now account for 57 percent of the company's total turnover. In personal care, the company said its growth outpaced the rest of the market, with underlying sales rising by 8.3 percent. All segments grew more than 5 percent, with deodorant leading the rest. Sales of the Rexona brand approached €2 billion, while Sunsilk joined the €1 billion brands in 2012.