Unilever Hikes Prices Again, Forecasts Even Higher Inflation

Household product maker Unilever raised prices once again, warning that inflation is about to get a whole lot higher later this year.

The maker of Hellman’s mayonnaise and Dove soap warned of further price hikes for its products, as it looks to pass higher input costs onto consumers despite already raising product prices 8% year-over-year in the final quarter of 2021. The UK-based company once again hiked prices 8.3% in the first three months of the year, as the conflict in Ukraine is expected to boost raw material inflation by €2.7bn come the second half of the year.

The latest figures are a substantial increase from the forecast of €1.5bn at the start of the first quarter, and on top of the cost push inflation of approximately €2.1bn already materializing in the first half of 2022 as grains, oils, and other agricultural commodities undergo price rallies. “While we’re acutely aware of the pressure on consumers, we believe that increasing prices in response to this extreme commodity cost pressure is the right thing to do,” said Unilver CEO Alan Jope.

Unilever’s home care category saw some of the sharpest price increases, with goods such as Cif cleaners and Sunlight dish soap jumping 12.5%, causing sales volumes to slump 2.9%, while beauty and personal care products increased 7.4%. The substantially large price hikes forced some consumers to tighten the grip on their pocketbooks and revert to cheaper, own-brand product options, which became evident when Unilever reported an overall 1% decline in sales volumes.

In an effort to refrain from passing on the full impact of inflation onto consumers, Unilever also decided to substitute certain ingredients— such as oils— for cheaper alternatives, as cooking oils have been particularly impacted by the crisis in Ukraine.


Information for this briefing was found via Unilever. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

New Found Gold: The Strategic Maritime Resources Purchase

Amex Exploration: Revised Perron PEA Has INSANE Economics

Aris Mining: The Multi Billion Dollar Soto Norte PFS

Recommended

Canadian Copper Secures $8 Million Lead Order From Ocean Partners As Part Of Larger Funding Round

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Related News

Fed’s Key Inflation Indicator Rises by Most Since 1983

The Fed’s prized inflation indicator has not let off from scorching hot, and jumped by...

Saturday, January 29, 2022, 11:15:00 AM

Russia’s Central Bank Hikes Interest Rates to Two-Year High At 18%

Russia’s central bank raised its key interest rate by 200 basis points to 18% on...

Friday, July 26, 2024, 10:17:00 AM

Canadian Businesses Anticipate Higher Inflation as Supply Chain Disruptions and Labour Shortages Worsen

Businesses across Canada are facing broad economic challenges related to supply chain disruptions, material and...

Tuesday, January 18, 2022, 10:04:00 AM

Jerome Powell Hikes Rates 75 Basis Points for Fourth Consecutive Time

The Federal Reserve once again delivered the fourth consecutive 75 basis-point rate hike on Wednesday,...

Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 02:47:00 PM

Canadian Inflation Slows To 19-Month Low At 4.3%

The rate of increase in Canadian consumer prices has slowed down further, with the Consumer...

Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 09:44:57 AM