British-Dutch cosmetics and food group Unilever today reported a 43% drop in first-quarter net profit on a 12-month basis, and a one-third drop in the operating result.
Net profit fell to €803m from €1.407 billion and operating profit fell to €1.234 billion.
Overall sales by the group, which owns many leading brands including Knorr soups and Dove soap, fell by 1% to €9.5 billion.
'First-quarter results were solid given today's trading environment,' chief executive Paul Polman said. He added that the group would focus on innovation and on supporting its brands.
