Unilever reaches its highest level in 16 years: consumers are buying more Dove, Rexona, Vaseline, and detergents

Unilever recorded its strongest volume growth in more than 15 years during the second quarter of 2026, driven by increased demand for beauty, personal care, and home cleaning products, as well as promotional campaigns surrounding the FIFA World Cup.

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The multinational company behind brands such as Dove, Rexona, Vaseline, Hellmann’s, Knorr, Sunsilk, and TRESemmé reported that its underlying sales grew 5.8% between April and June. Sales volume increased 5.5%, while prices rose just 0.2%.

The results show that growth during the period came primarily from higher sales volumes and a more favorable product mix, rather than relying on price increases.

During its earnings call with analysts, Unilever’s management said this was its strongest quarterly volume performance since 2010. Growth was supported by its priority brands, emerging markets, and the Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care categories.

How much revenue did Unilever generate in the second quarter of 2026?

Unilever’s revenue reached €13.046 billion in the second quarter, a reported increase of 3.8% compared with €12.567 billion in the same period of 2025.

Reported revenue growth was lower than underlying sales growth, mainly due to currency movements. Foreign exchange fluctuations reduced quarterly revenue by 2.4%, although this impact was smaller than the one recorded during the first three months of the year.

From January through June, Unilever generated €25.623 billion in revenue, up 0.5% year over year. Underlying sales grew 4.8%, with volume increasing 4.2% and prices rising 0.6%.

Average volume growth over the past four quarters stood at 3%, which, according to the company, reflects a broader recovery rather than an isolated quarterly result.

Which Unilever products sold the most?

Home Care was the fastest-growing division during the second quarter. Its underlying sales increased 9.1%, supported by volume growth of 8.6% and a 0.5% increase in prices.

The category benefited from demand for detergents, household cleaners, and laundry care products in India, Brazil, and Indonesia. Unilever reported market share gains across all three categories within this business, supported by increased investment in brands such as Dirt is Good and Comfort.

Beauty & Wellbeing ranked second, with underlying sales growth of 8.1%. Volume increased 6.9%, while prices rose 1.1%.

Hair care was one of the strongest-performing areas. Dove, Sunsilk, and Vaseline recorded double-digit growth, while prestige beauty brands accelerated during the quarter. TRESemmé improved its performance in the United States, and Liquid I.V. returned to double-digit growth.

Personal Care reported underlying sales growth of 5.9%, with volume increasing 6.8%. In this division, prices declined 0.9% due to World Cup promotions and a higher comparison base.

The Foods business was the only division that remained virtually stagnant. Its underlying sales increased 0.2%, while volume declined 0.1%. Unilever faced stronger competition in the U.S. mayonnaise market and weaker demand in developed markets.

Dove and Vaseline drive Unilever’s sales growth

Unilever’s so-called Power Brands solidified their position as the company’s main growth engine. These 30 brands accounted for 78% of its revenue and grew faster than the rest of its portfolio.

During the second quarter, their underlying sales increased 6.9%, while volume rose 6.8%. Fifteen of the 30 Power Brands recorded double-digit growth.

Among the standout brands were Dove, Vaseline, Sunsilk, Comfort, and Dirt is Good. Dove, Unilever’s largest brand, grew approximately 9% during the first half of the year, supported by premium innovations in hair care and skin care.

Vaseline maintained double-digit growth thanks to new, higher-value products. The brand delivered strong performance in both the United States and several emerging markets.

Unilever is concentrating an increasing share of its advertising and commercial resources on these brands. During the first half of the year, brand and marketing investment represented 16.1% of its revenue.

How did the FIFA World Cup boost Unilever’s business?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was one of the factors driving volume growth in Personal Care. Unilever activated more than 35 brands across approximately 120 markets and worked with more than 50,000 content creators to promote its products.

Dove and Rexona were among the brands that benefited the most. Campaigns focused on deodorants and skin cleansing products, featuring promotions and content linked to the tournament.

The company established physical creator hubs under the House of Fresh concept in Mexico City, New York, and Toronto. These initiatives aimed to turn sponsorship into sales, digital engagement, and brand awareness.

Promotions helped boost sales volume, although they also had a temporary negative impact on prices and gross margins. In Personal Care, prices declined 0.9% during the quarter, while volume increased 6.8%.

Unilever expects the benefits of the World Cup to continue beyond the tournament through greater brand awareness for Dove, Rexona, and other participating brands.

Emerging markets accelerate consumer demand

Emerging markets generated 60% of Unilever’s revenue during the first half of 2026. Underlying sales in these markets grew 7% during the six-month period, supported by volume growth of 5.8%.

During the second quarter, growth accelerated to 8.3%, with volume increasing 7.4%. India, Indonesia, and Latin America led the expansion.

India grew 10% during the quarter. Hair care and home care categories reached their highest market shares on record.

Indonesia reported 7% growth during the first half of the year, with double-digit increases in Home Care and Beauty & Wellbeing. China recorded mid-single-digit growth, supported by premium innovations and e-commerce.

Latin America posted underlying sales growth of 8.9% during the second quarter, driven almost entirely by an 8.8% increase in volume.

Brazil returned to double-digit growth, while Argentina recorded a strong increase despite challenging economic conditions. Mexico contributed to the region’s performance through stronger demand for Personal Care products.