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Our results for the third quarter of 2024 – which we announced on 24 October – show underlying sales growth of 4.5%, with volumes up 3.6%. This was our fourth consecutive quarter of positive, improved volume growth, with each of our business groups driving higher volumes year on year.
Our Power Brands – which now account for over 75% of group turnover – delivered 5.4% underlying sales growth, driven by volume growth of 4.3%, with particularly strong performances from Dove, Liquid I.V., Comfort and Magnum.
Here’s a look at the results highlights from each business group, and how innovation from our brands is driving performance.
Hair Care delivered low-single digit growth with low-single digit volume growth. Dove continued to deliver volume-led growth following the first-half launch of Scalp + Hair Therapy, while TRESemmé grew mid-single digit with continued success of its treatments and styling range. Our largest hair care brand, Sunsilk, grew low-single digit and Clear achieved high-single digit growth outside China, but was flat overall.
Core Skin Care grew mid-single digit led by double-digit volume growth in the US. Dove achieved strong double-digit growth, which included the launch of High Potency Body Serums and 3-in-1 face care treatments in Brazil. Pond’s grew double-digit supported by our Bright Miracle and Age Miracle face care ranges, featuring advanced technologies for clearer, more youthful skin. Vaseline continued to perform well, supported by the continued roll-out of premium innovations like Radiant X and Gluta-Hya, as well as the launch of Pro VitaB3 Serum-Burst Lotion in the US.
Health & Wellbeing and Prestige Beauty combined delivered double-digit growth for the 15th consecutive quarter. This was led by very strong growth in Health & Wellbeing, which offset lower growth in Prestige Beauty, reflecting the continued slowdown in the US and China beauty markets. Liquid I.V. delivered another quarter of strong double-digit growth, driven by a successful summer season and continued international expansion. Nutrafol and Olly also saw strong double-digit growth, with Olly’s female health supplements performing well in China.
Hourglass led Prestige growth with strong double-digit growth, driven by hero products such as Vanish Airbrush Concealer and Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, while Paula’s Choice was impacted by the market slowdown.
Deodorants grew high-single digit, which was volume-led. Latin America led growth with double-digit volume, while Europe and North America saw mid-single digit increases. Dove continued to grow double-digit with strength across both core women and Dove Men+Care ranges, including our expansion into the whole-body deodorants market in the first half. Axe and Rexona continued to grow, driven by the ongoing success of our fine fragrance and clinical ranges.
Skin Cleansing grew low-single digit fully driven by volume. In Europe, we achieved high-single digit growth driven by volume increases, while in the US, we saw mid-single digit growth. Dove delivered high-single digit growth, supported by the first-half relaunch of Dove’s body wash in Europe and the launch of Dove’s premium body wash range infused with skin care serums in the US. Growth was tempered by deflation in India, category declines in China and operational challenges in Indonesia.
Oral Care grew low-single digit with mid-single digit growth in Europe partially offset by a decline in Indonesia.
Fabric Cleaning declined low-single digit as slightly positive volume was more than offset by low-single digit negative price. Europe led with high-single digit growth, driven by double-digit volume. Persil Wonder Wash, featuring our patented Pro-S technology designed for short-cycle washes, continued to perform well and was launched in Turkey. In India, we grew high-single digit driven by strong volumes and double-digit growth in liquids led by our Surf Excel Matic and Rin ranges. Brazil saw declines in both price and volume due to a softening market and commodity deflation, particularly affecting our powders portfolio.
Home & Hygiene grew mid-single digit led by volume. Domestos grew double-digit led by momentum in our Power Foam range which expanded to new geographies including Poland and Turkey. Cif also maintained double-digit, volume-led growth.
Fabric Enhancers grew double-digit with strong volumes slightly offset by negative price. Comfort continued to deliver double-digit volume growth following the successful first-half launch of our new Botanicals and Elixir ranges, with our patented CrystalFresh technology.
Scratch Cooking Aids grew low-single digit, led by mid-single digit growth in Knorr. In Latin America, we achieved double-digit growth, driven by strong performance from our next-generation bouillon and seasoning ranges with enhanced flavours and micronutrients. In the US, we saw mid-single digit growth, entirely volume driven, benefiting from social-first campaigns promoting home cooking with bouillon.
Dressings was flat with low-single digit volume offset by negative price. Hellmann’s delivered low-single digit volume growth which was offset by negative price as promotional intensity increased. Flavoured mayo continued to perform well with rapid geographic expansion, including recent launches in Argentina and the Philippines.
Unilever Food Solutions grew low-single digit with positive volumes despite a slowdown in China. We continued to expand our digital selling programme and benefited from the launch of Hellmann’s Professional Mayo in Europe and Brazil, specifically designed for professional kitchens.
In-home grew double-digit, led by double-digit volume growth in Europe. Magnum’s first bite-sized innovation, Bon Bons, along with Ben & Jerry’s Peaces and Yasso’s Poppables, performed well. These premium micro-format innovations cater to the demand for smaller, frequent indulgences, driving growth in the Ice Cream category year-round.
Out-of-home grew high-single digit with positive volume and price growth. Magnum achieved double-digit growth, with continued strong performance of its premium Pleasure Express range, featuring Euphoria, Wonder and Chill. Ben & Jerry’s and Cornetto saw high-single digit growth, supported by Cornetto’s first global relaunch with enhanced formulation and new packaging.
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