CEO Alan Jope said the Anglo-Dutch company had unlocked new levels of agility in responding to unprecedented fluctuations in demand.The company's shares jumped more than 8% on the news.
Lockdowns in our markets and reduced personal care occasions amidst restricted living, led to lower demand for skin care, deodorants and hair care, which each saw volume and price decline, the company said.
Second quarter underlying sales growth edged down 0.3% while turnover fell 3.1% compared to the second quarter in 2019 to 13.3 billion euros ($15.4 billion).
The company noted that sales of food, ice cream and tea rose as people spent more time at home.
Following a review launched in January, Unilever said it will retain its tea businesses in India and Indonesia and separate the company's remaining tea operations into a new business.