PZ Cussons confident of growth

PZ Cussons said trading in most of its markets was challenging, but that it was confident of a return to profitable growth in the current financial year.

In a trading update the Imperial Leather soap maker said performance for the first half of the year had been in line with management expectations.

Revenue was broadly flat, mainly as a result of difficult trading conditions in its key market Nigeria, which has been affected by social unrest as well as widespread flooding.

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However, the firm said profits had increased by around 10% compared to the year before.

This was driven in particular by an improvement in the profitability of its Australian business and a robust performance in the UK.

"The group's focus remains on new product development and further margin improvement," the statement said.

"Raw material cost trends are expected to be favourable this year and the benefits of the supply chain optimisation project are also beginning to be seen."