Vanish owner Reckitt eyes further growth

Consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser today reported a 22% hike in second-quarter profits and outlined a raft of household brand product launches.

The Vanish-to-Cillit Bang firm posted pre-tax profits of £315m (€326m) for the three months to June 30 against £258 million a year earlier and said first half comparable sales were up 10% thanks to investment in its “power brands”.

The group said it plans to bring new products to market in the next six months, such as washing machine limescale remover Calgon Energis and Vanish Oxi Action Intelligence for tough stains and “invisible” grime.