SSL profits lifted by new Durex ranges
Rocketing Durex sales today helped SSL International push up profits by nearly a third.
The company said underlying sales of Durex products had risen by 16% in the year to March 31, driven by strong growth in Spain, Portugal, and Eastern Europe.
The performance helped the London and Cheshire-based firm lift pre-tax profits 31% to £46.9m (€68.7m).
Sales of the Durex Play range, which include lubricants and vibrating rings, more than doubled to £27m (€39.6m). Condom sales improved nearly 9% to £160.1m (€234.7m), boosted by increased promotion of its premium ranges such as Pleasuremax.
Overall like-for-like sales were ahead 8% at £480.2m (€704m) as SSL’s Scholl footcare brands enjoyed 6% growth, buoyed by new products including Freeze Verruca and Cracked Heel Repair Cream.
However, Scholl footwear saw more modest like-for-like growth of just 1.8% as strong European sales were offset by greater competition in Japan and Thailand.
