HOBOKEN, N.J. – Unilever kicked off 2025 with momentum, delivering a robust 3.4% underlying sales growth in the first half, fueled by strong volume gains, bold innovation, and premium product launches across its global brand portfolio. From Dove’s expanded personal care lines to Magnum’s blockbuster ice cream innovations, the consumer goods giant is capitalizing on evolving consumer trends while laying the groundwork for its highly anticipated Ice Cream business demerger later this year.
The company’s five business groups all delivered underlying sales growth, with Ice Cream leading the pack at 5.9%, followed by Personal Care at 4.8%.
Business Group Highlights
Beauty & Wellbeing (3.7% growth)
This division, representing 21% of group turnover, saw volume growth of 1.7%. Momentum in Wellbeing brands like Liquid I.V. and Nutrafol remained strong, while Hair Care was flat due to softness in TRESemmé and Clear. Dove and Vaseline saw double-digit growth in Core Skin Care.
Personal Care (4.8% growth)
Accounting for 22% of turnover, Personal Care grew on the strength of Dove’s high-single digit increase, supported by new product lines like whole-body deodorants. Oral Care brands Pepsodent and Closeup delivered mid-single-digit growth, while Skin Cleansing and Deodorants posted low-single-digit gains.
Home Care (1.3% growth)
With 20% of turnover, Home Care was bolstered by mid-single-digit growth in Home & Hygiene, led by brands such as Cif and Domestos. Cif’s new Infinite Clean probiotic-powered cleaner saw success in Europe. Fabric Enhancers, particularly Comfort, also performed well. However, Fabric Cleaning declined slightly due to headwinds in Brazil.
Foods (2.2% growth)
Also accounting for 22% of turnover, the Foods segment was led by Hellmann’s mid-single-digit growth, driven by flavoured mayonnaise innovations now available in over 30 markets. Knorr contributed to modest gains in Cooking Aids, while Unilever Food Solutions remained flat, impacted by softness in China.
Ice Cream (5.9% growth)
Now 15% of turnover, Ice Cream showed robust 3.8% volume growth. Magnum led the way with double-digit growth, thanks to the Utopia and Bon Bons ranges. Cornetto also delivered strong gains. The Ice Cream unit transitioned into a standalone company, The Magnum Ice Cream Company, on July 1, ahead of its planned demerger and public listing by mid-November 2025.
Looking Ahead
Unilever reaffirmed its focus on building competitiveness through premium innovations, digital engagement, and supply chain resilience. The company stated that it remains on track with its transformation agenda, particularly the Ice Cream demerger, which will unlock additional value for shareholders.
