Strong Performance: Unilever (UNVR) Records Profit of Rp1.3 Trillion in Q1 2026
PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk (UNVR) recorded a net profit of Rp1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2026 (excluding the SariWangi tea business). This figure surged by 14.1% compared to the same period the previous year, supported by positive growth in domestic sales of 3.5% and underlying volume growth of 2.1%.
The strong performance of the company with the stock code UNVR reflects a sustained momentum for long-term growth. Throughout the first quarter of 2026, UNVR’s net sales from continuing operations reached Rp8.4 trillion, growing 2.8% compared to the same period last year.
President Director Benjie Yap stated that the first quarter 2026 results mark an important step forward, reflecting the momentum built throughout 2025. Amid still challenging external conditions, the disciplined measures implemented over the past year are beginning to show progress in the quality of growth, market execution strength, and the company’s financial resilience.
“The first quarter performance results further strengthen our confidence that our business is on a positive advancement path, supported by continuously improving fundamentals and increasingly strengthening momentum,” Yap said in an official statement on Thursday (30/4/2026).
For context, the gross margin from continuing operations stood at 48.2%, down 18 basis points from the previous year. Excluding transformation costs, the gross margin remained solid at 48.8%. Pre-tax profit from continuing operations improved to 18.9%, up 167 basis points from the previous year.
For information, Unilever Indonesia completed the divestment of its SariWangi tea business in the first quarter of 2026. Moving forward, Unilever Indonesia’s strategic priorities rest on three main pillars: categories, sales channels, and costs, each supporting the ambition to achieve long-term growth driven by quality.
The first pillar, categories, focuses on building broad consumer interest by optimising the portfolio in faster-growing segments, while accelerating social-first demand creation.
Benjie Yap emphasised that Unilever will continue to ensure that the innovations introduced are not only relevant but also strongly appealing to consumers. The company is continuously improving product affordability through the launch of value-oriented price packs, while expanding brand activations to reach more consumers.
“In line with these efforts, the company continues to adjust execution in each channel by introducing channel-specific innovations to increase conversion rates and market effectiveness. In addition, the company is also driving format-based innovations to open up new usage opportunities and strengthen brand competitiveness across all categories,” he said.
To strengthen core brands, the company consistently applies an integrated 6P approach (Product, Packaging, Proposition, Promotion, Place, and Pricing), while maintaining adequate investment levels to ensure spending effectively creates demand.
In parallel, portfolio transformation continues to show progress towards higher-growth segments, with contributions increasing from 8.3% to 10.0% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the first quarter of 2025. This reflects the company’s disciplined efforts in restructuring the portfolio to strengthen growth quality and overall business competitiveness.
The second pillar, sales channels, involves strengthening infrastructure and accelerating future channels. Strengthening sales channel infrastructure and execution excellence remain the main drivers of the company’s performance.
The company recorded domestic sales growth of 3.5%, supported by sustained momentum in General Trade and Modern Trade channels, as well as strong growth contributions from Health and Beauty and Digital Commerce. This achievement reflects improvements in on-the-ground execution quality and stronger alignment between demand creation and product availability in stores.
In addition to General Trade and Modern Trade, the company is also accelerating growth in future-oriented channels, particularly Health and Beauty. The company’s focus is directed towards developing a portfolio tailored to Health and Beauty consumer needs, strengthening strategic partnerships, and category growth. The exclusive launch of TRESemmé Silk Press and the strategic partnership with AS Watsons are part of these efforts.
“Digital Commerce is another channel priority for the company, by leveraging relevant moments and conversations, improving visibility and search performance, and strengthening partnerships with affiliate communities to expand reach and effectiveness in the market,” Yap concluded in his statement.
The third pillar, costs, involves a sustained focus on improving margins and efficiency. The company continues to enhance gross margins by applying productivity across all business lines, while accelerating digital transformation. Through sustained cost discipline and the implementation of the transformation agenda, the company is further strengthening margin resilience.
Along with the recovery in sales volume, the positive impact from positive operational leverage effects is beginning to be reflected in the profit and loss performance, thereby supporting gross margin performance even though the company still faces pressure from rising input costs and foreign exchange rate movements. These efforts strengthen a more efficient cost structure and serve as a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
Moving forward, Unilever Indonesia will continue