Unilever raises full-year sales outlook after strong volume growth

Unilever raised its full-year sales expectations on Tuesday after stronger volume growth, sending its shares up five percent despite a decline in first-half profit.

The British consumer goods group now expects underlying sales growth of between four and six percent this year. It had previously expected growth near the bottom of that range.

Profit after tax fell by more than five percent from the first half of 2025 to 3.3 billion euros, or $3.8 billion.

Chief executive Fernando Fernandez said Unilever had delivered a strong, volume-led first-half performance, with growth accelerating significantly during the second quarter.

He said the economic environment remained uncertain but that the company was well positioned to achieve its upgraded outlook.

Shares in Unilever rose five percent in early trading on London’s FTSE 100 index.

The maker of Dove soap and Cif surface cleaner is restructuring its business under Fernandez, including cutting jobs and separating its food and ice cream operations as it focuses more heavily on home and personal care.

Unilever agreed a multibillion-dollar deal in March to separate most of its food business. Brands including Hellmann’s and Knorr are expected to join McCormick’s Schwartz and Ducros herbs in a new company.

The parties aim to complete the transaction by mid-2027, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

Unilever spun off its ice cream division, which included Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s, last year.

Fernandez became chief executive in March last year, replacing Hein Schumacher after less than two years in the role.