Innovation helping PZ Cussons tackle headwinds

PZ Cussons, the Manchester-based international consumer products group says its challenges in its major overseas markets are continuing, but is confident it can still meet its forecasts.

In a trading update the company, behind the popular Imperial Leather, Carex and St Tropez brands, said its revenues in key markets Nigeria, Australia and Indonesia  were being hit by weakening exchange rates.

However, PZ Cussons which is headquartered next to Manchester Airport and also has  manufacturing facility in Agecroft, Salford, said : “The strength of the group’s new product pipeline and the success of recent product launches leave the Group well placed to counter these challenges.

“The group’s balance sheet remains strong and well placed to pursue new opportunities as they arise.”
 
During the trading period, June 1 to September 21, performance was in line with expectations, with new product helping it navigate choppy waters.

In its domestic market, performance in the washing and bathing division was been “strongly driven by an exciting innovation pipeline” and the launch of a new range of Carex bodywash products.

Its beauty division has performed well too, with a new St Tropez self-tanning shower lotion “performing particularly well”

The company’s next trading update will be on December 10.