Reckitt Benckiser Cleans Up

Reckitt Benckiser Plc said second-quarter profit growth beat its annual target of between 12 percent and 15 percent after costs fell and demand for new lines rose, reports Bloomberg. The world's biggest maker of household-cleaning products says sales for the quarter rose five percent, adjusted for currency changes. The British company is on track to meet its profit and revenue targets for the year, according to its chief executive, Bart Becht.

Sales rose fastest in Western Europe and North America, according to Mr. Becht. Air-care and dishwashing products showed the strongest rate of increase. Growth was slower in emerging markets, particularly India.

Moderator Comment: How has the consumer desire for convenience affected the household cleaning products category? What should retailers be doing to maximize the volume and profits of these products?

The manufacturer of Lysol can look to continuing strong performance as the consumer passion for cleaning wipes and other convenient household products grow.

The inventory turns on Lysol wipes and similar products must be impressive. Other consumers have stopped looking at us strangely as we load up our shopping cart with items. Convenience is going for about ten cents a wipe these days. A price worth paying, we're told. [George Anderson - Moderator]

• Reckitt Benckiser 2nd-Qtr Growth Beat Annual Target (Update4) - Bloomberg