09.03.18
Reckitt Benckiser posted a 23% gain in first half sales to more than $6.5 billion at current exchange rates, thanks to its acquisition of Mead Johnson last year. That purchase provided a lift to its health business, but its home hygiene results remained, well, a bit dirty.
Sales of disinfectants and other cleaners declined 3% in the first half to $3.0 billion, as category growth remained challenging due to a “continued tough pricing environment in developed markets.”
The company noted that growth was broad-based across all the leading brands. Q2 saw double-digit growth in developing markets, and low single-digit growth in developed markets. In the US, Lysol was the main growth driver due to a seasonal benefit in Q1 and early success of a new daily cleanser and cleansing wipes. Finish and Air Wick saw good growth in the half following the successful launch of Quantum Ultimate Clean & Shine (Finish) and Essential Mist (Air Wick).
Sales of disinfectants and other cleaners declined 3% in the first half to $3.0 billion, as category growth remained challenging due to a “continued tough pricing environment in developed markets.”
The company noted that growth was broad-based across all the leading brands. Q2 saw double-digit growth in developing markets, and low single-digit growth in developed markets. In the US, Lysol was the main growth driver due to a seasonal benefit in Q1 and early success of a new daily cleanser and cleansing wipes. Finish and Air Wick saw good growth in the half following the successful launch of Quantum Ultimate Clean & Shine (Finish) and Essential Mist (Air Wick).