Reckitt Benckiser on target

CEO Bart Becht (pictured), Chief Executive Officer, said the company's first half results were in line with full year targets – a performance that had benefited from excellent growth in developing markets, and the success of new Powerbrand product initiatives such as Lysol No Touch and Air Wick Aqua Mist. The Slough-based group, which last week agreed to buy the condom and Dr Scholl footwear maker SSL, saw pre-tax profits for the half year rise to £964 million, up from £819 million for the same period last year. In Europe, which accounts for 43% of sales, growth in dishwashing and home care products was more than offset by weakness in fabric care. There was a relatively flat result in health & personal care reflecting, the company said, the low incidence of colds/'flu during the winter. The increase in home care was supported by the launch of Airwick Aqua Mist, while growth in dishwashing came from Quantum, dishwashing additives and the launch of Quantumatic. The result in fabric care was impacted by increased competitive activity for Vanish, and weakness in laundry detergent and water softener. In North America & Australia, responsible for around one quarter of sales, growth was led by fabric care, surface care, home care and health & personal care products. The launch of the Lysol No Touch Hand Soap System helped to mitigate the impact on Mucinex of a weak cold/'flu season. Food increased as a result of good sales of French's Yellow Mustard, French's Fried Onions and Frank's Red Hot Sauce. In developing Markets, also responsible for around one quarter of sales, the Vanish, Dettol, Harpic and Veja brands all contributed to growth.