Colgate-Palmolive sales decline, new products slated to launch this year

NEW YORK — Colgate-Palmolive, which posted a dip in North American sales during the fourth quarter, experienced share gains in oral care and has outlined new product launches planned for 2011.

North American sales declined 2% during the fourth quarter as unit volume increased 1.5% with 4% lower pricing and 0.5% positive foreign exchange. Organic sales slipped 2.5%. North America operating profit decreased 8% during the quarter, driven by increased promotional investments and higher material costs, partially offset by cost-savings initiatives.

The company stated that its share of the manual toothbrush market is at 33.4% year to date, up 1.3 share points versus a year ago, including Colgate Wisp mini-brush whose market share is at 4.9% year to date. Colgate 360, ActiFlex, Colgate Max White and Colgate Extra Clean manual toothbrushes contributed to the share gains.

For 2011, new introductions slated to hit store shelves during the first quarter include Colgate Total Gum Defense, Colgate MaxClean SmartFoam toothpastes, Colgate 360 Surround and Colgate Triple Action manual toothbrushes.