LONDON and ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS--(Marketwire - Apr 28, 2011) -
UNILEVER TRADING STATEMENT FIRST QUARTER 2011 FIFTH CONSECUTIVE QUARTER OF SOLID GROWTH First Quarter highlights * Turnover increased by 7.0% to EUR10.9 billion * Underlying sales growth 4.3% with all categories growing, driven by emerging markets up 9.9% * Underlying volume growth 2.5%, pricing up 1.8% * Integration of Sara Lee personal care business well on track * Quarterly dividend increased by 8.2% Chief Executive Officer "We have delivered a good performance which demonstrates that the transformation of Unilever is progressing well; this against a backdropof rising commodity costs, weak consumer confidence and very competitive markets. All categories are growing, driven by a particularly strong performance in the emerging markets. We have continued to deliver volume growth, albeit at a lower rate than in recent quarters reflecting the pricing action taken and the sluggishness of the developed markets. Innovation continues to be the key driver of growth and we have rapidly extended great new products such as Dove Hair Damage Repair and Axe Excite into many countries. At the same time we have been extending our strong brands into new markets, such as Magnum into the United States and Indonesia and Dove Hair into China. The integration of Sara Lee's personal care business is progressing well and we look forward to completing the acquisition of Alberto Culver in quarter two. We continue to focus on the long term development of the business and our priorities remain: profitable volume growth ahead of our markets, steady and sustainable underlying operating margin improvement and strong cash flow." 28 April 2011 Please follow the link below to view the full text of the announcement; http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/5979F_1-2011-4-28.pdf This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END
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