Unilever Pakistan forecasts erosion in consumer purchasing power

Unilever Pakistan forecasts erosion in consumer purchasing power

KARACHI: Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited – fast-moving consumer goods company – on Monday said that high inflation to erode purchasing power of consumers.

While presenting financial results for nine months period ended September 30, 2022, the company said Pakistan’s economic and operating environment remains challenging as the country continues to grapple with sustained double-digit inflation, low foreign exchange reserves and aftermath of recent floods.

“The above factors are expected to result in a considerable overall economic slowdown and further erosion of purchasing power of the consumers.”

It said that in the midst of the situation, the management remains committed to navigating the challenges and staying relevant to the consumer by leveraging the power of its brands, delivering delightful innovations and driving cost transformation. “We are confident that we will continue to deliver competitive, consistent, responsible and profitable growth benefitting all stakeholders,” the company added.

The board of directors of the company met on October 24, 2022 and approved the un-audited condenses interim financial information for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

According to the company, despite challenging economic and political environment, the business continued its positive momentum and delivered a growth of 36.6 per cent with a healthy mix of pricing and volume.

The growth was broad based with both retail and food solution business delivering consistent performance on the back of strong brand equity, innovations and wider distribution.

“Inflationary headwinds resulted in a gross margin dilution of 202 basis points to 41.4 per cent. However, earnings per share grew by 33.3 per cent led by strong topline growth,” the company added.