Beiersdorf cites consumer division for sales lift

Beiersdorf has attributed a lift in sales for 2008 to its consumer division, it emerged this week.

The group, which owns brands including its premium La Prairie and mass-market Nivea ranges, announced preliminary sales figures of 5,970 million euros (5,379 million pounds), compared to 5,507 million euros in 2007.

Its consumer business segment recorded “extremely successful organic growth”, the company said in a statement, with the department generating sales of 5,125 million euros.

Additionally, Beiersdorf noted it had continued the strong position it currently holds in the market.

“Beiersdorf’s skin and beauty care business again clearly outperformed,” remarked chief executive officer Thomas B Quass.

“[It] has demonstrated an encouraging ability to withstand the current economic climate.”

The results follow an announcement last month in which the group announced it had become the largest cosmetics company in Germany and was joining the DAX – an index of companies trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

This group comprises the 30 leading companies in the country which are listed.