Indian market slowed down even before lock-down: Unilever

MUMBAI: Unilever said the Indian market had slowed even before the strict lock-down began at the end of March, which further impacted operations and consumer demand.

"Growth in India was impacted by both the slowing market and the lock-down implemented at the end of March, which stopped production and shipping for a number of days," said a Unilever statement after announcing a 0.2% increase in sales.

Developed markets grew 2.8% while emerging markets declined 1.8%. For Unilever, India is the largest emerging market and the second biggest market by sales globally generating over 9% of its sales. "Lock-down measures in India commenced from mid-March, followed by a strict national lock-down, severely limiting the flow of goods and leading to a decline in South Asia," added the statement.


The local unit of the Anglo-Dutch company, for long considered a good proxy for consumer sentiment across the country’s socio-economic spectrum, also faced negative pricing in personal wash while tea sales were impacted globally due to subdued demand in India.