New mother and baby range revealed by PZ Cussons

SHOWER gel to fake tan manufacturer PZ Cussons is launching a number of new products as it fights back from a tough year which will see profits hit by around 15%.

The Manchester-based international company said in a trading update that  conditions had not deteriorated further since its last City announcement, and that it is confident of returning to profitable growth in the next financial year.

The new products are primarily for the UK market – which has performed robustly – and are a range of personal care products specifically designed for mothers and babies.

Called ‘Cussons Mum & Me’, it caters for the three life-stages of bump, new mum and baby and will be available in full UK national distribution by the end of July.
 
In its beauty division – which includes St Tropez and Sanctuary – it is launching of a new range of skincare products called ‘Active Reverse’, with ballet star Darcey Bussell as brand ambassador.
 
PZ Cussons reiterated its guidance that while the UK has been robust, the beauty division a strong performer and its Indonesian business seeing positive momemtum, these positive factors were “more than offset” by three adverse factors.

These are: £25m of increased costs from the significant year-on-year raw material cost inflation; a worsening trading environment in the Australian homecare category; and social and economic tensions in Nigeria.

The company said: “Overall, despite both the uncertain economic environment in Europe and the economic and social tensions in Nigeria, the group remains confident that it will return to profitable growth in the new financial year.”