SOFT SALES: Unilever, the consumer goods group behind Axe deodorant, Dove soap and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, said Tuesday that sales slowed in the fourth quarter due to weakness in emerging markets. It expects more of the same until later in 2014.
CURRENCY IMPACT: The company said demand in emerging markets has been dampened by weaker currencies. It has seen little improvement in developed economies despite a steadily improving U.S. job market and the European Union emerging from recession last year.
THE NUMBERS: For 2013, Unilever said its sales fell 3 percent to 49.8 billion euros ($67.5 billion), mostly due to the strong euro, and net profit was up 9 percent to 5.3 billion euros. It did not release quarterly profit or loss figures.
