COVID-19: Durex profits surge as social distancing constraints are eased | Business enterprise Information

Durex maker Reckitt has described ongoing revenue expansion for its condom manufacturer at the start of this calendar year and expects its recovery to continue on as a lot more international locations loosen lockdown restrictions.

The double-digit gross sales improve in the very first quarter was led by solid advancement in China when compared with a period of time of challenging social distancing limits a calendar year in the past but most other markets had been also forward.

That incorporated pieces of the US, south east Asia and Europe, the buyer merchandise large reported.

Are living COVID news from the Uk and close to the globe

Reckitt stated it was viewing “some of the adverse consequences of COVID begin to reverse” with the recovery for China predicted over time “to be replicated in other markets where lockdowns have led to quickly lessened demand”.

Total sales throughout the group’s models were being up by a much better than predicted 4.1% with demand for disinfectants this kind of as Dettol and Lysol remaining potent as people “continue to be vigilant to the spread of the virus”.

But it was a hard quarter for wellness items this sort of as Strepsils, Nurofen and Mucinex, thanks to an “exceptionally weak” cough, cold and flu year, with an estimated 90% fewer conditions than in the similar quarter past yr.

There was also a decrease for baby formula solutions amid lessen start premiums.

Stain elimination manufacturer Vanish returned to expansion soon after minimal desire all over very last year attributed to restrictions on social activity.

In the meantime air freshener Air Wick and dishwasher pod Complete did nicely, notably in North America, benefiting from ongoing “stay at home” trends, Reckitt explained.

The group’s sales figures when compared with a period past yr when it was presently looking at a boost from stockpiling as the influence of the pandemic began to be felt.

Compared with the to start with quarter of 2019, revenues have been 17% greater, Reckitt claimed.