Unilever Q3 sales rise 4.4% in return to growth

Consumer goods giant Unilever on Thursday reported a better-than-expected 4.4% rise in underlying third quarter sales as people continued to buy more hygiene and food products.

It added that turnover fell 2.4% to €12.9bn after a 7.7% hit from currency changes, but also above estimates.

“Underlying sales growth accelerated compared to the second quarter. Elevated levels of growth for hand and home hygiene products continued, as well as for food consumed at home. Our food service and out of home ice cream businesses continued to decline, however at lower levels compared to the second quarter,” Unilever said in a trading statement.

Sales in emerging markets rose 5.3%, , as China's recovery continued, and India and Brazil returned to growthwhile developed markets rose 3.1%, driven by ongoing strength in North America.