Unilever sees 2006 sales growth

Unilever is confident about future growth

The world's third-biggest consumer goods group, Unilever, has reported a rise in sales growth to 3.9% for the second quarter to the end of June.

The maker of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Hellmann's mayonnaise, and Sunsilk shampoo is in a sales-led recovery.

The giant group said it was confident of 3% to 5% sales growth over the year.

But the target failed to please some analysts, who said Unilever was being outperformed by European rivals such as Nestle and Danone.

"There is not enough in these results, we believe, to suggest that there is a brave new dawn at Unilever," said Charlie Mills, an analyst at investment bank Credit Suisse.

In London, shares in Unilever - which also makes Knorr soup, Dove soap and Omo detergent - rose after analysts digested the figures.

Unilever chief executive Patrick Cescau said he expected to meet the group's 2006 outlook for sustained growth.

"All regions and categories contributed to growth and we continue to maintain market share."