Globaltraded.com — London – Global FMCG leader Unilever, headquartered in London, revealed a substantial 14.5% surge in its 2022 turnover, reaching €60.1 billion. Remarkably, nearly half of this revenue, constituting 46%, emanated from the robust contributions of the Asia Pacific and Africa markets. In stark contrast, Unilever’s European home countries accounted for only 19% of the group’s turnover.
Asia Pacific & Africa Market Dominance:
Unilever’s Asia Pacific and Africa markets exhibited impressive strength, with underlying sales soaring by 10.3%, driven by stellar performances in Home Care and Ice Cream segments. India emerged as a standout performer, registering strong double-digit growth propelled by market development and the resilience of its premium portfolio.
China experienced a marginal dip attributed to pandemic-related restrictions, particularly affecting Unilever Food Solutions and Home Care. While Indonesia witnessed mid single-digit, price-driven growth, while the Philippines and Vietnam reported broad-based double-digit growth.
Turkey, despite a hyperinflationary environment, maintained consistent, strong volume growth led by Home Care and Ice Cream segments. Africa showcased double-digit growth, characterized by increasing price growth and volume adjustments throughout the year.
Europe Market Contrast:
Conversely, Unilever’s domestic market in Europe saw underlying sales increase by a modest 4.1%, with 8.3% attributed to price growth, offset by a volume decline of (3.9)%.
Global Landscape Overview
The Uniliver’s Beauty & Wellbeing segment emerged as a global growth driver, witnessing a 7.8% increase in underlying sales primarily propelled by price. Personal Care achieved a 7.9% surge in underlying sales, driven by robust pricing. Home Care, facing rising input costs, demonstrated the highest price growth with a slight volume decline, resulting in underlying sales growth of 11.8%.
Emerging markets experienced a noteworthy 11.2% growth in underlying sales, with a price contribution of 13.5%, offset by a 2.0% decline in volume.
Developed markets saw a 5.9% increase, fueled by an 8.4% surge in price, although volume experienced a (2.3)% contraction.
Unilever’s Ice Cream segment achieved a 9.0% growth in underlying sales, driven by a 9.7% price increase and a marginal (0.7)% volume decrease. Out-of-home Ice Cream recorded double-digit price and high single-digit volume growth, contributing to the segment’s overall positive performance.
Unilever’s expansive product portfolio includes baby food, beauty products, cleaning agents, condiments, and more. The company, with a presence in over 190 countries, stands as the world’s largest soap producer. Its key brands include Axe (Lynx), Ben & Jerry’s, Dove, Knorr, Magnum, Omo (Persil), and Sunsilk contribute to Unilever’s global recognition. ( GT)