Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited (UPFL) posted a strong financial performance for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, reporting a 26% year-on-year increase in both sales and profitability, supported by robust volume growth across its key product categories.
According to the company’s latest financial results, net sales rose to Rs. 13.19 billion during the quarter, compared to Rs. 10.47 billion in the corresponding period last year. Profit after taxation climbed to Rs. 2.11 billion, up from Rs. 1.67 billion, while earnings per share (EPS) improved to Rs. 331.01 from Rs. 262.60 a year earlier.
The company also recorded a significant improvement in profitability, with gross margins increasing to 41.5% compared to 38.2% in the same period of 2025. Management attributed the performance to strong volumetric growth and effective execution across its food portfolio.
During the quarter, Unilever’s flagship Knorr brand continued to strengthen its market presence through innovative consumer engagement campaigns. The company highlighted the success of “Knorrverse,” an immersive experience designed to connect with younger consumers, alongside Ramadan-focused initiatives such as “Refresh Karo Iftar.” The campaign featured an AI-powered recipe tool that enabled consumers to generate personalized recipes using ingredients available at home.
The Rafhan dessert portfolio also delivered encouraging results during the Ramadan season, benefiting from enhanced in-store visibility, influencer collaborations, and digital engagement activities. Meanwhile, Unilever Food Solutions expanded its outreach through partnerships with chefs and restaurant operators, promoting Ramadan menu concepts and strengthening relationships with foodservice customers nationwide.
Despite the strong start to the year, the company noted that Pakistan’s business environment remains exposed to global commodity price fluctuations, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical uncertainties that may affect input costs and supply chains. Management said it remains focused on leveraging brand strength, driving innovation, maintaining value-for-money offerings, and improving operational efficiency to navigate these challenges.
The board also declared a first interim cash dividend for the quarter, reflecting confidence in the company’s financial position and future outlook. With continued investment in brands and consumer engagement, Unilever Pakistan Foods appears well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory throughout 2026.
