New Delhi – Unilever, the British multinational consumer goods firm, reported improving business fundamentals in India, its second-largest market after the United States, as the company navigates a global turnover decline. The positive assessment, delivered during Unilever’s fourth-quarter earnings calls, comes despite a 3.8% decrease in overall 2025 turnover to 50.5 billion euros, attributed to currency headwinds and asset disposals.
The company’s Home Care division saw a 4.7% increase in underlying sales growth alongside a 4% volume growth in the fourth quarter, with India identified as a key driver of this momentum. According to Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez, India delivered mid-single-digit volume growth in Home Care, particularly in fabric wash and household care, achieving its highest-ever market share. Rediff Money reported Fernandez citing improving economic conditions and strengthening brand recognition, especially in rural and traditional trade sectors, as crucial factors.
Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Unilever’s Indian subsidiary, posted a 5% underlying sales growth, supported by a 4% volume growth in the December quarter. HUL consistently ranks as Unilever’s second-largest market globally by revenue, contributing approximately 12-14% of total sales. This performance represents a “step up in performance and recovery post Goods and Services Tax related disruption,” Unilever acknowledged. Devdiscourse News detailed the subsidiary’s robust performance.
Fernandez emphasized the strategic importance of both the US and India, designating them as “anchor markets” for Unilever’s global operations. He noted that brand superiority scores in India are improving “across the board,” and that execution is strengthening, particularly in rural areas and independent trade. “We are growing shares, particularly in home care…we have achieved 40% of our business there,” Fernandez stated, adding that this represents the highest market share recorded to date.
Even as India’s performance is bolstering Unilever’s overall position, the company is likewise focusing on growth opportunities in other key areas. Fernandez stated that Unilever’s focus remains on “beauty and wellbeing, and personal care, with emphasis on premium segments, digitally native brands, and dCommerce exposure, particularly in the US and India.”
In 2025, Unilever’s India business experienced 4% underlying sales growth with 3% volume growth, supported by gradually improving market conditions and gains in competitive market share. The company’s positive outlook for India comes as it also cautions investors about a “slower” market in the US, as reported by Bloomberg and MSN, leaving the balance between its two key markets in a state of flux.
