Beauty / news
Unilever Raises Outlook After Strong First Half and Landmark World Cup Sponsorship
Unilever reported nearly 5% underlying sales growth to €25.6 billion in the first half, driven by beauty power brands and a historic FIFA World Cup sponsorship, prompting an upgraded outlook.
Unilever delivered a robust first-half performance, with underlying sales rising nearly 5% to €25.6 billion and growth accelerating in the second quarter. The results were fueled by double-digit expansion at beauty power brands including Dove, Sunsilk and Vaseline, with volume rather than price driving gains.
The company also marked its biggest activation ever as the official personal care sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026, promoting more than 35 brands across 120 markets during the six-week tournament. The campaign enlisted some 50,000 social media content creators.
CEO Fernando Fernandez emphasized the long-term strategy behind the sponsorship, stating that the goal is to build lasting brand awareness through a massive cultural event, not just a two-month impact. Management expects the halo effect to continue boosting sales momentum.
Personal care and beauty & well-being divisions together accounted for over half of Unilever's revenue. The company is focusing on these areas along with home care as it divests noncore categories to become leaner and more agile.