Sales jumped 7.5% to$16.7bn at Colgate-Palmolive last year.

The toothpaste-to-soaps giant said its figures were boosted by a 3.5% increase in global unit volumes, as well as a 1% increase in pricing. The Sanex business, which Colgate-Palmolive acquired last year from Unilever, also boosted full-year sales and volume growth by 1%.

Market share also soared to record highs, with global market share for toothpaste up 0.3 share points to 44.3%. Global market share for manual toothbrushes hit 31.7% - up 0.5 share points versus a year ago.

“As we enter 2012, macroeconomic conditions and foreign exchange volatility are an increasing challenge,” said chief executive Ian Cook.

“Despite that, we are planning to improve our worldwide market shares and volume growth, with increased advertising support behind many new and existing Colgate products.”