Anglo-Dutch grocery group Unilever said on Thursday it sold more products in 2009 although total turnover was down.

Underlying sales growth was 3.5%, boosted by Asia, Africa and North and South America, the company said in a statement. Prices fell in Europe as consumers reduced spending.
Full year turnover reached €39.8bn, down 2% on current exchange rates. Net profit reached €3.6bn, down 31% on 2008.
‘We expect continued pressure on consumer spending power and heightened levels of competitive activity in 2010,’ said CEO Paul Polman. ‘We will continue to focus on volume growth as the main driver of long term value creation, whilst delivering steady and sustainable year-on-year improvement in operating margin and strong cash flow.’
The company said despite some of the most difficult trading conditions in recent memory, all regions delivered improved volumes and market share.
For the Reuters report on this, click here