PZ Cussons Reports Half-Year Results

PZ Cussons Plc—maker of Carex body products and Charles Worthington hair care—said revenues rose 0.7% to $597.4 million for the six month period ended Nov. 30, 2009. The company’s household and toiletries business recorded sales of $462.9 million during that period.

“The Group has delivered a strong performance in the first half despite the economic environment remaining fragile,” noted chairman Anthony Green, on release of the results. “Investment in both our brand portfolio and our supply chain facilities has enabled us to deliver continued profitable growth in the short term as well as laying the foundations for longer term growth in all three regions in which we operate.”

In the UK, Cussons said performance has been strong despite a challenging trade environment with high levels of competitive promotional activity. The firm’s integrated site in Agecroft is ensuring continued speed to market of a high number of new products with market share of Cussons’ washing and bathing category increasing further. The company said sales Carex are significantly ahead of the prior period with consumer awareness of hand hygiene remaining high following the swine flu outbreak.

According to Cussons, the Charles Worthington hair care brand maintained its number two position in the professional hair care category and its Original Source brand also experienced strong growth in the period.

The Sanctuary—the spa business Cussons purchased in January 2008—has continued to perform well, with gift product sales during the Christmas period ahead of last year, and the spa facility at Covent Garden reported visitor numbers close to the capacity (64,000 per year).

Cussons said two smaller spas are being developed as part of its ‘City Spa’ concept, which will extend the reach of its spa business.