Unilever to double production of deodorant

Unilever Phils. is set to double its manufacturing operations for its deodorant products due to a expected strong demand from the export markets.

This was disclosed yesterday by Howard Belton, chairman and chief executive officer of Unilever Phils., who said that from its current export of around 20 billion sticks, Unilever will double its production to meet demand from its export market of 27 countries including Eastern Europe and the US.

Belton admitted that Unilever was pleased with the success of its deodorant products especially in Eastern Europe.

However, aside from its deodorant product, Belton said that Unilever is also enjoying success from the export of other food flavoring products, specifically its Knorr sinigang cubes and powders.

Domestically, Belton said, Unilever is still working hard to post another 10-percent increase in its sales this year.

Belton said that the company is actually experiencing mixed sales.

"For instance, Unilever’s shampoo products continue to post healthy sales, while sales of hair conditioners have declined," he said.

Likewise, Belton said, sales of such food products as mayonnaise are up, while ice cream products are down. "It seems, that consumers are spending less on what they consider to be luxury products," he said.