FMCG giants report growth
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the owner of the Aquafresh and Beechams brands and Reckitt Benckiser (RB), owner of the Air Wick and Nurofen brands have both reported increased third quarter sales.
GSK posted a 15% rise in sales to £6.67bn in the three months to 30 September, boosted by consumer healthcare and sales of swine flu products.
The company’s over-the counter, oral healthcare and nutritional healthcare products grew 9%, 10% and 4% respectively.
Andrew Witty, chief executive of GSK, says the performance of consumer healthcare is “especially impressive” as the global market only grew 1.5%.
The UK based drug manufacturer expects to see further growth in the next quarter including significant growth in sales of its influenza products including swine flu vaccine, Relenza.
Yesterday, Reckitt Benckiser reported that sales climbed 15% to £1.9bn driven by “significant” investment in media, marketing and new products.
The company says media spend dropped 5% as a result of lower rates, and savings were invested into other marketing activities, driving total marketing spend up.
Revenue in health and personal care brands rose 14%, with brands including Dettol, Nurofen and Gaviscon delivering “excellent” growth.
