Beiersdorf hails good start to 2013 after first quarter

Beiersdorf has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2013, during which it achieved a nominal year-on-year sales increase of 2.9 percent and an organic sales improvement of 5.4 percent.

The company's revenue total for the three months came to 1.58 billion euros (1.33 billion pounds), with the double-digit improvement in its emerging market operations proving to be the key driver of improvement.

During the quarter, Beiersdorf observed improved demand for its key Nivea, Eucerin and La Prairie brands, allowing the group to confirm its goal of outpacing the overall market's rate of growth across the full year.

Stefan Heidenreich, chief executive officer of Beiersdorf, described these results as representing a good start to the year, following on from its strong 2012 performance.

He explained: "We have made further progress in implementing our Blue Agenda, in particular in the areas of brands and innovation. Furthermore we expanded our position and increased our market share in emerging markets."

One of the company's key initiatives for 2013 is a global rebranding of its Nivea range, which is the world's largest skincare brand and marked its 100th anniversary last year.