Unilever has raised its full-year 2026 volume growth forecast following stronger sales in the third quarter, supported by demand for its personal care, beauty and home care products. The consumer goods group reported underlying sales growth of 5.2% for the quarter, with higher volumes contributing more than half of the increase, while pricing also supported performance as commodity costs rose.
The group recorded turnover of €13.3 billion in the third quarter, an increase of 6.7% compared with the same period last year. Underlying sales growth reached 4.9% for the first nine months of 2026, while reported turnover rose 2.7% to €38.9 billion. The difference reflects the effects of currency movements and other factors that influence reported revenue.
Unilever now expects underlying volume growth of at least 3% for the full year, an improvement on its previous guidance. It continues to forecast underlying sales growth of between 4% and 6% for 2026, alongside a modest improvement in the underlying operating margin compared with the 20% recorded in 2025. The company also expects underlying sales growth of around 5% in the second half of the year.
Personal care and beauty products remained important contributors to growth. The Beauty & Wellbeing division recorded underlying sales growth of 5.7% in the third quarter, while Personal Care grew by 6.3%. Dove continued to perform well across its product categories, with double-digit growth reported in both hair care and personal care. Demand for premium products and continued product development also supported performance.
Home Care delivered the strongest underlying sales growth among the group’s main business divisions, at 9.1%. Growth was supported by higher volumes and pricing, with performance across emerging markets helping to offset weaker conditions in some developed economies. The division’s results also reflected higher commodity costs, which contributed to price increases during the quarter.
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