The German consumer products group Beiersdorf AG, which makes the Nivea range of products, increased sales by 9.6% in the first nine months of 2007 to E3.5bn. European sales stood at E2.5bn. There was strong sales growth in the Asian, African and Australian regions where sales improved by 33.7% in the reporting period to t508m against growth of 14.9% in America to E 503m. Growth was also significant in Eastern Europe and Latin America. Pre-tax profits in the consumer products division rose sharply from E405m to t461m.
Nivea sales worldwide rose by 11.7% in the nine-month period with strong growth reported for Nivea body, Nivea deodorant, Nivea Visage and Nivea for Men. Weather conditions dampened sales of Nivea Sun but the relaunch of Nivea Hair Care was successful.
The company has said it expects stable economic conditions to prevail for the rest of the year with the worldwide cosmetics market growing at 3% to 4%. Marked growth is expected in Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia in contrast to more modest expectations in the main markets of Western Europe. Sales overall are set to rise by 8% above the market average in 2007 with a return on sales of some 12%.
