W. European Market Data from AC Nielsen
Nielsen data suggest the Food/HPC market declined by 1% in the 4 weeks ending 27 November (vs flat YTD at 27 November). Positive volume growth was offset by continued deflation in Western Europe.
■ Food sales were broadly flat in the 4 weeks, with mid-single digit growth in Soups and Tea, offset by high-single digit declines in Margarine and Baby formula sales. Personal Care sales declined by 1% in the period, with mid-single and double-digit growth in the Colour cosmetics and Cough & Cold categories, respectively, more than offset by mid-single digit declines in the Hair Care categories. Household Care sales declined by 4% in the period.
■ Nestlé's sales decreased by 1% in the period, driven by mid-single digit declines in its Soup (55bps market share loss YTD at 27 Nov) and Chocolate confectionery (65bps market share loss YTD at 27 Nov) categories. Nestlé's Pet Care and Waters sales were up low-single digit in the period.
■ Unilever's sales declined by 6% in the 4 weeks, driven by a doubledigit decline in its UK sales (continued reaction to pricing?). Home Care sales were down double digits in the period, driven by a tough comparator and the UK, whilst mid-single digit decline in Unilever Foods was driven by a double-digit decline in its Margarine sales. Personal Care (impacted by Soap/Shower Gel) and Refreshment sales remained negative in the period.
■ Danone's sales declined by 6% in the period, with a sequential decline in its Yogurt category – Activia's sales were down high-single digit despite the relaunch of the brand. Mid-single digit sales decline in Danone Waters was impacted by a strong comparator, whilst Baby formula sales (down high-single digits) continue to be impacted by a shift to direct sales by manufacturers due to tightening regulations in China.
■ L'Oréal's sales declined by 1% in the 4 weeks, driven by a mid-single digits decline in its France sales. High single digit sales growth in L'Oréal's Colour cosmetics (130bps of market share gain) category was offset by mid-single digit declines in its Hair Care categories.