Unilever posts results boost

FOOD and consumer goods group Unilever today reported a 7.2 per cent increase in first quarter underlying sales.

The firm said it expected sales to beat its own target range. The figures posted by the Anglo-Dutch group, which produces Sunsilk shampoo, Dove soap and Knorr soups, were well above forecasts of a rise of between 4.8 per cent and 6.4 per cent.

"We have had a good start to the year, with an underlying improvement in operating margin," said chief executive Patrick Cescau.