Like many global marketers, Unilever saw aspects of its business decimated by coronavirus-related closures in the year’s first half, as out-of-home sales at restaurants, tourist hubs and similar venues slid 42% and foodservice declined by 56%, per Jope. But underlying sales growth was down just 0.3%, far better than the 4.3% drop forecast by analysts, The Wall Street Journal reported.
There were other, potentially more significant silver linings in the CPG giant’s H1 results as well, as the company saw an acceleration of its e-commerce sales and new opportunities to invest in brands as consumers adjust to life under the pandemic, an indication of where the company could focus its dollars as it turns the marketing taps back on.
