Colgate-Palmolive maintains growth in Q1 2012

Colgate-Palmolive has reported year-on-year net sales growth of five percent for the first quarter of 2012.

The dental supplier posted a quarterly revenue total of $4.2 billion (2.59 billion pounds), with global unit volume and pricing both increasing by 3.5 percent and the Sanex acquisition adding 1.5 percent to sales and volume growth.

Meanwhile, the company's organic sales growth performance of 6.5 percent was the largest it has seen in seven quarters, with the strength of its operations in emerging markets acting as a crucial driver.

Record shares of the toothpaste and manual toothbrush markets were commanded by Colgate during the quarter, while its UK division played a key role in the volume gains seen in Europe.

Ian Cook, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Colgate-Palmolive, said: "We are very pleased to begin the year with strong top and bottom-line growth, building on the growth momentum we saw in 2011."

Last month, the company was presented with an Energy Star partner of the year award, thanks to its efforts in promoting high standards in terms of energy conservation and sustainability.