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Hindustan Unilever
Disruptions in the global supply chain and a surge in packaging costs due to rising crude oil prices have led to a shortage of local competition in markets like India, and it may support Unilever's volume growth in categories such as home care, said Chief Executive Officer Fernando Fernandez. The British multinational consumer goods maker "sees opportunities coming from the constraints in supply in the global market" even as its multipolar supply chain remains resilient. "We are seeing some shortage in some local players, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, that can support our volumes, and it will make easier the passing of pricing in the future," said Fernandez in the earnings call. In Q1/2026, the British consumer goods major achieved its highest-ever share in laundry powders in the Indian market, and is also "sharply" increasing its position in the fast-growing liquid detergent segment. The performance of its local unit Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), which reported a 6 per
British multinational consumer goods maker said "fundamentals" of its business in India, its second largest market after the US, are improving. In the fourth quarter, Unilever, in the home care segment, reported a 4.7 per cent underlying sales growth along with a volume growth of 4 per cent, which, according to the company, was supported by "continued strong volume in India". "India was a key contributor to this momentum, with Home Care delivering mid-single-digit volume growth, led by strong performance in liquids across fabric wash and household care, and reaching its highest ever market share," said its CEO, Fernando Fernandez, in Unilever's earnings calls for the fourth quarter. Fernandez said across geographies US and India are clear "anchor markets" for Unilever. Replying to a query over growth, he said: "India, it's improving both in terms of economic backgrounds and the fundamentals of the business, particularly the strengthening of our brand equities... brand superiority .