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3w ago

Unilever’s H1 Sales Rise 3.4%, Profit Falls and Ice Cream Spin-Off On Track

Unilever’s chief executive has raised marketing spending, implemented productivity measures, sharpened the beauty and personal care focus, set a mid-November listing date for The Magnum Ice Cream Company.

Unilever logo is pictured on a Dove soap box in this illustration taken on January 17, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/ File Photo
Unilver’s ice cream business reported underlying sales growth of 5.9 per cent in the first half of the year
Strong sales of ice cream brands like Ben & Jerry’s helped underlying sales performance at Unilever, but the company will soon spin off the unit
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Overview

  • Unilever reported 3.4% underlying sales growth for the first half of 2025, with operating profit down 4.8% to €5.8 billion due to higher brand investment and spin-off costs.
  • The ice cream arm delivered 5.9% sales growth and is on track to list as The Magnum Ice Cream Company in mid-November, with Unilever retaining a 20% stake.
  • Marketing investment rose to 15.5% of revenue in H1 as the company builds a dedicated marketing and sales machine behind its power brands.
  • Fernando Fernandez has designated beauty and wellbeing along with personal care as core priorities, directing disproportionate investment into the United States and India and emphasizing premium and digital channels.
  • A productivity programme is ahead of plan, targeting €650 million in savings by the end of 2025 and an additional €150 million in 2026 to support full-year sales growth guidance of 3–5% and stronger momentum in the second half.