Inflation fears cloud rise in Unilever sales

Unilever shares were up 1.2% in early trade. File Picture: PA

Unilever has warned inflation is likely to accelerate next year, keeping the pressure on consumer goods companies as they hike prices to try to offset surging energy and other costs.

The maker of Dove soap, Persil, Magnum ice cream and Knorr soup beat third-quarter sales growth forecasts and kept its full-year profit margin guidance, defying some analysts' fears of a cut.