meeting everyday needs of people everywhere Annual ... - Unilever

44 Unilever Annual Review 1998 Categories
Turnover £ million
4 433
94
Operating profit £ million
471
94
5 986
95
657
95
6 940
96
769
96
6 852
97
800
97
6 680
98
840
98
Personal care
£ million 1998 1998 1997 Change
at current at constant at constant
rates rates rates
Turnover 6 680 7 422 6 852 8%
Operating profit 840 955 800 19%
Operating profit before exceptional items 855 970 856 13%
Our personal care business had another excellent year, with strong
underlying volume growth across most categories and regions. After
increased investment in marketing, progress in profits and margins
was very good. Results were especially healthy in Western Europe
and Latin America.
Our personal wash business did very well, assisted by the development
of Dove. The Dove brand has been introduced in 70 countries since
1991 and now holds a leadership position in many. Originally launched
as a personal wash bar, it has now been extended into body-wash liquid
and, in some countries, facial foam, body lotion and deodorants.
These developments are widening the brand’s appeal, especially to
younger consumers.
New product launches were key to the significant growth in our skin
care businesses in North America and Latin America. In hair care,
innovation advanced our position. For example, in the United States,
we successfully developed and launched the ThermaSilk range.
ThermaSilk is the first line of shampoos and conditioners with heatactivated
proteins designed to protect and improve the condition of
hair. In Europe, we relaunched Organics and introduced fruit variants
of Timotei shampoo.
“Deodorants are one of Unilever’s fastest growing
corporate categories, with our major brands holding
strong positions in all regions...”
New Dove deodorant cares for the skin while protecting against
perspiration. These qualities are attracting many younger women, who
are not traditionally regular Dove product users. The deodorant’s success
has thus strengthened the entire brand.