Unilever reports an increase of 3% sales growth in its Q1 financial year 2025

UK – Unilever, a British multinational fast-moving consumer goods company, has reported sales growth of 3% in its Q1 financial year 2025, which reflects the strength of its increasingly premium and innovation-led portfolio in developed markets. 

In the ice cream business, sales grew 4.0%, with 1.8% from volume and 2.2% from price. The company stated that the positive performance reflects strong innovations and the continued improvement in our operations as we approach the summer season.

In-home Ice Cream (approximately 60% of total Ice Cream sales) delivered mid-single-digit growth with positive volume and price. Out-of-home Ice Cream (around 40% of total Ice Cream sales) grew low-single digit, driven by price.

Magnum grew mid-single digit supported by the introduction of its Utopia range, featuring new flavours, Double Cherry and Double Hazelnut. Yasso grew double-digit and expanded its Poppables and Bars ranges to new flavours.

The quarter saw the roll-out and introduction of several premium products, including further expansion of Magnum Bon Bons into additional European markets, the launch of Cornetto’s Disk cones in Europe and Australia, and Ben & Jerry’s launch of a larger, shareable size and new Sundae flavours.

The company stated, “In Ice Cream, we are focused on continuing to strengthen the business in preparation for Ice Cream’s separation by the end of 2025. We are doing this by developing an exciting product pipeline, designing more efficient go-to-market strategies, optimising our supply chain and building a dedicated sales team globally.

“The separation will create a world-leading business, operating in a highly attractive category with five of the top ten selling global ice cream brands.”

In the food group business, there was a 1.6% sales growth, -1.1% volume growth, and 23% of group turnover.

Cooking Aids grew low-single digit, driven by price. Knorr grew low single digit as it continued to enhance its leadership in Bouillon with new flavours and the relaunch of its core Chicken & Beef powder.

Condiments grew low single digit with positive volume and price. Hellmann’s grew mid-single digit with positive volume and price. This growth was led by the flavoured mayo range, now available in 30 markets.

In the first quarter, several new variants were launched, including Ranch in the US and Flamin’ Hot in Mexico. In North America, Hellmann’s launched a better-for-you avocado oil variant and a new range of Mayo Dips designed to complement barbeque favourites.

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