Rising demand for Durex products in Europe and China fuels sales growth at consumer goods conglomerate Reckitt
Reckitt's Revenue Boosted by Durex Condom Sales
Reckitt, a global consumer health and hygiene company, has seen a significant increase in its revenue in the first half of 2025. The company reported revenue of nearly £7 billion and operating profit of £1.71 billion, exceeding analyst expectations. This growth can be attributed, in part, to the strong performance of its Durex condom brand.
Reckitt's 2025 net revenue growth forecast has been raised above 4%, up from a previous 3-4% range. This boost is largely due to strong sales growth in Asia, particularly China and India, which have offset weaker performance in North America and Europe. The surge in demand in these regions is linked to consumer openness and urban lifestyle shifts in China, driving demand for sexual wellness products including Durex condoms.
China's sexual wellness market, including condoms, is expected to reach USD 8.6 billion in 2025. The rising consumer openness, increased sexual health education, and popularity of e-commerce platforms have catalyzed premiumization and innovation within the condom segment, benefiting Reckitt's Durex brand.
In Europe, although growth is more measured due to a challenging consumer environment, Reckitt still sees some stabilization and ongoing consumption in condom products. European countries like the UK, Germany, and France maintain good public education on sexual health, supporting condom use and revenue for brands like Durex.
The global condom market outlook reinforces the strong position of Durex as a leading player. The Asia-Pacific region, dominated by China and India, is the fastest-growing market segment, contributing significantly to Reckitt’s sales growth.
In a separate development, Reckitt agreed to sell its cleaning products unit for £3.6 billion to US private equity firm Advent International. Despite this sale, Reckitt will retain a 30% stake and refocus on its core brands, which include Dettol, Nurofen, Strepsils, Vanish, and Durex.
Reckitt's shares soared 10% to 5542p, a 17-month high, following the announcement of these financial results.
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- In light of Reckitt's increased revenue and forecast growth in the sexual wellness market, particularly in China, investing in the company's core business segments like Durex condoms could potentially yield significant returns for finance-oriented individuals.
- Given Reckitt's strategic shift towards its core brands and the expanding global market for sexual wellness products, especially in Asia, smart business strategists might find investing in companies that cater to this segment a lucrative opportunity for growth and profit in the coming years.
