PZ Cussons, the maker of Carex and Imperial Leather, has reported a rise in sales and profits after implementing cost savings and increasing marketing investment.
Financial performance
The Manchester-based consumer goods company said revenues reached £541 million for the year to the end of May, a 5.8% increase on a like-for-like basis compared with the previous year. Sales growth was primarily driven by pricing strategies, with volumes also edging higher.
Pre-tax profit increased by 22% year-on-year to £50 million, helped by the cost-cutting measures.
UK brand growth
In the UK, washing and bathing brands including Carex, Imperial Leather, Original Source, and Sanctuary Spa were key growth drivers, particularly following a successful Christmas gifting period. The company highlighted brand-building partnerships such as using The Gruffalo and Zog characters on Carex handwash and Original Source bodywash sponsoring a London Hyrox event and partnering with celebrity ambassador Spencer Matthews.
These gains helped offset a decline in sales for smaller brands like haircare line Charles Worthington and self-tanning label St Tropez.
Marketing and innovation
Marketing investment increased by £3.5 million during the year, the highest in recent years. The company also trialled live-streaming shopping in markets such as Indonesia, and St Tropez was recently launched on TikTok Shop in the UK.
Portfolio streamlining
PZ Cussons said it had trimmed its portfolio during the past year to strengthen its balance sheet and sharpen focus on its bestselling categories of personal, home, and baby care. This included exiting its stake in a Nigerian joint venture, selling assets in Africa and Asia, closing its US offices, and shutting the Childs Farm office in the UK after integrating it into the wider business.
“We have also simplified or streamlined a number of business processes through the use of AI tools and data analytics,” the company said.
CEO comments
Chief executive Jonathan Myers said: “We delivered a strong trading performance in FY26 (the 2026 financial year), with revenue growth across each of our four lead markets and each of our top 10 brands.
“At the same time, we completed our strategic review and established a refreshed strategy with a clearer financial framework and capital allocation policy.”
He described the company as a “more focused and resilient business”, adding: “While there is plenty more to do, and we are mindful of macro-economic uncertainties, we are well placed to continue delivering sustainable growth.”
