The company will invest disproportionately to ensure it gets the full benefits of Unilever’s scale and advantaged portfolio footprint in these markets, says CEO
Highlighting that the momentum is building in India, Unilever, a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) giant, is looking at disproportionate investment in two of its largest markets- the United States (US) and India, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fernando Fernandez stated.
“We are increasingly set up for success in our two biggest markets, the United States and India. We will invest disproportionately to ensure we get the full benefits of Unilever’s scale and advantaged portfolio footprint in these markets, delivering above group average volume growth,” Fernandez highlighted during the earnings call.
In addition to the increased investment in the two markets, the company’s priorities will be directed towards a greater focus on beauty and wellbeing and personal care. Looking ahead, the company will be strengthening its premium segments and digital commerce, the CEO noted.
“Momentum is building in India, where we have recently appointed a new head of the business, Priya Nair, who takes over on 1 August after having successfully led our global beauty and wellbeing business. Priya combines a deep understanding of our home and personal care (HPC) business in India that she successfully ran for many years with the knowledge of international markets that is necessary to keep our portfolio in tune with the significant consumer needs and channel shifts already visible in the market,” he explained.
For the full year 2025, the FMCG major expects underlying sales growth to be within its range of 3 per cent to 5 per cent, with second-half growth ahead of the first half despite subdued market conditions. This is supported by its continued strength in developed markets and improving performance in emerging markets, notably in India, Indonesia and China.
“A strong gross margin and productivity gains ahead of plan fuelled increased investment in our brands and premium innovations. Our first half performance positions us well for the full year. In the second half, we expect further acceleration in emerging markets, particularly in Asia, and sustained momentum in developed markets,” the CEO said in a statement.
The company anticipates an improvement in underlying operating margin for the full year, with second-half margins of at least 18.5 per cent, a significant improvement versus the second half of 2024. However, with the macroeconomic and currency environment being uncertain, the company said that it will be agile in adjusting its plans as necessary.
