Food to detergent group Unilever booked first half sales down 5.5% at €24bn, the Anglo-Dutch company said on Thursday.

Net profit, however, rose 12% to €3bn. Sales were depressed by difficult economic conditions, in particular declining demand in Asian markets, the company said. The strong euro also had an impact.

Unilever has four main divisions. Personal care, which focuses on shampoos and soaps, accounts for over one-third of turnover. Foods covers sauces, oils and butter while refreshments focuses on ice cream and tea. Home care is the unit covering washing powder and household detergents.

Brands

The company currently owns 400 brands but chief executive Paul Polman said at the end of last year he intends to reduce this by 20%.

Oil and pasta groups Bertolli and Ragu were sold in May and Slim Fast is also up for sale.

‘The first half again shows consistent top and bottom line progress despite significant headwinds. Our markets have been challenging and we have experienced a further slowdown in the emerging countries whilst developed markets are not yet picking up,’ Polman said in a statement.

‘We remain focused on achieving another year of profitable volume growth ahead of our markets, steady and sustainable core operating margin improvement and strong cash flow.’