The Consumer Business Segment achieved organic sales growth of 4.8% in financial year 2014. In nominal terms, sales rose by 2.1%, from €5.103 billion in the previous year to €5.209 billion. This was due in particular to the company’s three core brands. NIVEA recorded 6.2% growth, Eucerin 6.0%, and La Prairie 5.1%.
Beiersdorf increased organic sales in all regions.
In Europe, Beiersdorf further expanded its market position, generating sales growth of 2.0%. In Western Europe, sales rose by 1.6%. The performances in Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain were particularly encouraging. In Eastern Europe, sales grew by 3.6%.
Beiersdorf achieved sales growth of 6.2% in the Americas region. Business in Latin America performed particularly well once again with sales growth of 7.1%, led by Brazil. In North America, sales increased by 4.6%.
The Africa/Asia/Australia region saw a strong increase in sales, with growth of 9.6%. Many markets in the region generated good or extremely good growth rates, although economic growth has eased in some markets, particularly in China.
EBIT excluding special factors increased from €638 million to €678 million. The corresponding EBIT margin was 13.0%, up from 12.5% in the prior year.