Unilever Boosts Sales Helped by Price Hikes, Improved Demand (2)

Unilever Plc beat estimates for sales at the start of its fiscal year as a result of price increases, demand for premium products and improved performance in some markets.

The maker of Dove soap and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, which appointed Fernando Fernandez as its new CEO in March following the ouster of Hein Schumacher, said underlying sales grew by 3% during the first quarter, more than analysts expected. It confirmed guidance for the year.

Unilever is in the midst of a turnaround that is focused on higher growth divisions and the sale of underperforming food brands. It ...