PZ Cussons has vowed to focus on new products providing higher margins as it continues to battle soaring commodity costs.

The Imperial Leather maker said UK trading was “robust” in its core washing and bathing business, but admitted that margins were being hit by high promotional activity and rising costs.

It said higher-margin products in the pipeline included a new range of anti-bacterial Carex soap.

“Trading momentum in most markets is positive giving cause for optimism,” the company said in trading statement for the three months to 18 September.

“Margins continue to be affected by raw material cost increases, with initiatives underway to recover these through higher selling prices and margin improvement projects.”

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PZ Cussons profits from fake tan and higher prices (26 July 2011)
Outlook good for premium brands, says PZ Cussons (9 June 2011)