Unilever has raised its annual growth forecast after reporting its strongest volume growth in more than a decade, driven by a focus on its largest brands and a major sports sponsorship.
The consumer goods company posted underlying sales growth of 4.8% in the first half of 2026, with volumes rising 4.2%. The second quarter saw an even sharper acceleration, with volumes up 5.5%—the best quarterly performance for the company in over 10 years.
World Cup sponsorship boosts volumes
Unilever’s partnership with the World Cup as the official personal care sponsor played a key role in the volume growth. The company described it as its largest-ever sports sponsorship, helping to lower prices and drive demand during the tournament.
CEO Fernando Fernandez said: “We have delivered a strong volume-led performance in the first half, with a significant step-up in the second quarter – the best volume quarter at Unilever in over a decade. Our power brands continued to outperform, with all business groups delivering volume-led growth. Emerging markets showed momentum, while North America again outperformed its market.
“These results show our ability to continue performing while transforming our portfolio.” He added the group’s brands were now stronger and execution was sharper.
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Fernandez took over from Hein Schumacher in early 2025 with a mandate to accelerate Unilever’s turnaround. His strategy has centered on shifting away from food toward health, beauty, and wellbeing. Earlier this year, the company agreed to sell its food business to McCormick, moving closer to becoming a pure-play home, personal, and beauty care group.
Beauty and home care lead growth
Unilever’s beauty and wellbeing division saw underlying sales growth of 5.9%, with Dove, Sunsilk, and Vaseline all posting double-digit increases. Personal care grew 4.8%, supported by the World Cup sponsorship, while home care recorded a 7.6% rise.
The food business, which Unilever is divesting, grew just 1.2% in the first half, held back by weaker demand in developed markets. Group turnover edged up 0.5% to €25.6 billion, as currency fluctuations offset operational gains. Operating profit rose 2.6% to €4.9 billion.
Following the strong first-half results, Unilever upgraded its full-year outlook. It now expects underlying sales growth of 4% to 6%, with volumes rising 3%.
