FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) reported a 3% decline in standalone net profit for the first quarter of FY27, with profit after tax at ₹2,631 crore, compared with ₹2,705 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. The decline was primarily due to a one-off tax credit recorded in the year-ago quarter.
The company, however, delivered a robust operational performance, with total sales rising 10% to ₹16,514 crore, supported by broad-based growth across its Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, Foods and Personal Care businesses.
Strongest growth in 13 quarters
HUL said it recorded 10% underlying sales growth (USG) during the quarter, its highest in 13 quarters, driven equally by volume and pricing.
The Home Care business emerged as the strongest performer, delivering 14% USG, its highest growth in three years, led by double-digit gains in Fabric Wash and Household Care. The company said consumer-centric innovations and disciplined market development helped strengthen its leadership position.
Beauty & Wellbeing posted 12% USG, driven by premium hair care and skincare products. Premium skincare, Hair Care and the acquired Minimalist brand recorded strong momentum, while new launches such as Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free and Vaseline Gluta Hya Smoothening Body Lotion expanded the premium portfolio.
Foods and Personal Care maintain momentum
The Foods segment reported 7% USG, supported by strong demand for coffee, lifestyle nutrition and packaged foods. Coffee registered double-digit volume-led growth, while Boost crossed the ₹1,000 crore annual turnover milestone. The company also expanded its premium offerings with new variants under Bru, Red Label Instant Tea and Kissan Chutney.
Personal Care delivered 4% USG, led by premium soaps and sustained double-digit growth in Bodywash. Oral Care also recorded mid-single-digit growth, supported by premium innovations across Closeup and Pepsodent brands.
Focus on volume-led growth
Hindustan Unilever Ltd CEO and Managing Director Priya Nair said the demand environment remained stable during the quarter, enabling the company to deliver its strongest quarterly growth in over three years.
“The underlying demand environment remained stable during the quarter. Against this backdrop, HUL delivered turnover of ₹17,184 crore and 10% USG, driven equally by volume and price. This marks our highest growth in thirteen quarters. The performance reflects the strength of our brands, increasing competitiveness of our portfolio, and disciplined execution of our strategic priorities,” she said.
She added that continued investments in market development, channel expansion and portfolio transformation are helping build a stronger, future-ready business, with the company remaining focused on driving volume-led revenue growth.