(MT Newswires) -- Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher unveils the company's growth action plan to accelerate sales growth and improve productivity. He has visited 12 to 13 of the 190 countries where the company operates, targeting major markets and those with specific challenges.
 
He is aware of the need to generate a return on investment for shareholders, even in an inflationary environment where consumers may opt for cheaper products.
 
Despite the challenges of inflation, Unilever saw an improvement in results in the fourth quarter, with volume growth of 1.8% across the portfolio and an even better performance from the top 30 brands. The company also saw gross margins improve by 330 basis points in the second half of 2023.
 
In the food sector, Unilever did not fully pass on cost increases to prices, which affected margins. Faced with a difficult year for the ice cream division, Unilever reacted by appointing a new leader and renewing 80% of the management team. Productivity improvements and supply chain transformations are expected to strengthen key brands.

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