Unilever sales have been boosted by the ice cream business it is set to spin off later this year.
The consumer goods giant said the arm that makes Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum and Calippo, saw sales rise 5.9 per cent in the first half of 2025.
There was a 3.8 per cent increase in the volumes bought by shoppers amid hotter weather, with a 2 per cent boost from higher prices.
Magnum enjoyed double-digit sales growth.
The demerger of the business will create the Magnum Ice Cream Company, with a primary listing in Amsterdam, which is on track to complete by mid-November.
Unilever will keep a stake worth less than 20 per cent.
Sweet sales: Magnum (advertised by Eva Longoria, pictured) enjoyed double-digit sales growth, while Cornetto grew in the ‘high’ single digits
It wants to move further towards beauty and personal care, with less of a focus on food.
Sales of its food, such as Hellman’s mayonnaise and Marmite, rose 2.2 per cent.
Personal care grew 4.8 per cent and beauty/wellbeing by 3.7 per cent.
Fernando Fernandez, chief executive, said: ‘Our priorities are clear: more beauty and wellbeing and personal care, disproportionate investment in the US and India; a sharper focus on premium segments and digital commerce.’
Shares fell 1.1 per cent to 4408p.
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