Unilever has posted a dip in profit for the first half of 2025, despite a rise in sales.

The consumer goods giant reported that its profits dipped by 4.8% to £5bn (€5.8bn), while its turnover also fell by 3.2% to £26.7bn (€30.1bn), largely due to currency headwinds and disposals.

However, Unilever added that its underlying sales growth (USG) rose by 3.4%, highlighted strong 1.5% volume growth and 1.9% pricing.

Looking ahead, new CEO Fernando Fernandez, said the business is sharpening its focus on premium brands, digital commerce, and core markets like the US and India, adding that the group is “building a marketing and sales machine” to drive future growth.

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The chief executive also confirmed that the operational separation of its Ice Cream business is now complete, with the demerger scheduled for mid-November.

The new standalone entity will be named The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC), with the consumer goods manufacturer confirming it has now appointed Peter ter Kulve as chief executive, who has been business group president for Unilever Ice Cream since 2024.

Moving forward, it is understood Unilever will retain a minority stake below 20%, to be sold down over five years and the division to be reported as a discontinued operation from Q4 2025.

Looking ahead, Unilever added that it to continues to expect full-year USG of 3–5%, with stronger growth forecast for H2, particularly in Asia.