Unilever and Carlsberg boost sales by raising prices on soap and beer

Consumer-goods need to raise prices, but if they do too much, consumers will switch to cheaper products

Carlsberg rising prices had not dented demand for beer.

Unilever, Carlsberg and Pernod Ricard are increasing the pressure on consumers worldwide with higher prices for Dove soap, beer and Havana Club rum, raising the risk that shoppers may start to baulk at spending more.

All three companies reported sales growth yesterday at about double the pace analysts had expected. Unilever forecast full-year revenue growth at the top end of its forecast, though warned that profitability may suffer as consumers cut back on purchases.