Unilever Indonesia, Producers Of Lifebuoy, Pepsodent, And Walls Ice Cream Its Sales Drop 8 Percent To IDR 39.5 Trillion

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk (UNVR) posted net sales of IDR 39.5 trillion in 2021, or down 8 percent year on year (yoy). UNVR's net profit also fell 19.7 percent yoy to IDR 5.7 trillion.

In 2020, the producer of Lifebuoy and Pepsodent, this company still posted a net profit of IDR 7.1 trillion. Unilever Indonesia President Director Ira Noviarti said the company's performance last year was influenced by the wave of COVID-19 cases after the New Year and Eid holidays, as well as the emergence of the delta variant.

"This condition has resulted in the imposition of strict restrictions on community activities (PPKM)," said Ira in a written statement, quoted on Friday, February 11.

Ira said that this policy hampered economic activity, which in turn affected the purchasing power of consumers, especially in the market segment where UNVR operates. In addition, the prices of various commodities that are used as raw materials for Unilever's production, such as crude oil and palm oil, also rose sharply.

"Surging raw material prices, declining consumer purchasing power for our products, as well as the transition time to return to purchasing power before the pandemic, are just some of the challenges that will emerge in 2021," said Ira.

UNVR strives to continue to boost various products with great opportunities, for example in the foods & refreshment category which was the mainstay of sales last year.

This segment has the opportunity to grow in the midst of changing consumer behavior who are increasingly aware of the importance of health. Several UNVR products, such as Buavita 100 percent Daily Vitamins Requirements and Paddle Pop Choco Magma with Vitamin D were quite popular last year.

This year, Unilever prepared a strategy to boost financial performance by strengthening major brands and key products, as well as expanding and enriching the portfolio to the premium segment.

"We are optimistic that in 2022, as the Indonesian economy improves, there will also be greater opportunities for us to accelerate consistent, competitive, profitable and responsible business growth," said Ira.