Higher volume growth trajectory key for reversal of Colgate's fortunes

Banking on relaunches, foray into new segments, digital strategy to address issues

Colgate-Palmolive (India), the country’s largest oral care company, continued to underperform on the growth front. Though its operational performance was better than expected in the March quarter (Q4), the firm saw tepid growth on the revenue front.

Overall sales grew 1.1 per cent year-on-year (YoY), weighed down by the 3 per cent decline in toothpaste volumes because of the moderation in the oral care category. The volume decline was offset by price/mix-led value growth of 4 per cent. While value growth in the toothpaste segment was positive, it was weak in the toothbrush segment, as consumers delayed purchases because of the