Carex and St Tropez owner PZ Cussons has reported growing sales boosted by “resolutely strong” demand for its hand wash and gel
(Picture: PZ Cussons)Carex and St Tropez owner PZ Cussons has reported growing sales boosted by "resolutely strong" demand for its hand wash and gel.
The consumer goods group said in a trading update on Tuesday that it saw revenues grow by 4.7% to £145.3 million in the three months to February 27, and hailed a "robust" balance sheet with net debt at £35 million - down from £116 million a year earlier.
Chief executive Jonathan Myers said all reported regions grew in revenue and profit in the period, with "must win" brands - including shower gel Original Source and Sanctuary Spa - growing by 12%.
The company now plans to ensure Carex is available in more convenience stores to capitalise on the pandemic-era trend for carrying a small bottle of hand gel everywhere.
Myers said: "We are trying to make sure we are available in more of the places where you might buy your fizzy drink and sandwich at lunchtime - we are trying to make sure there is Carex and hand gel for you there too."
The chief executive added that St Tropez sales are "bouncing back strongly" as Britons anticipate sun-deprived staycations.
"We are seeing beauty bounce back as we see quite a lot of pent up demand, and St Tropez is one of the brands seeing some strong pick-up as we move through to the summer," he said.
UK sales account for around a third of firm business, with St Tropez seeing the rising demand on both sides of the Atlantic.
Shares were up 0.94% to 271p on Tuesday morning.
