Unilever runs at ‘full speed’ after its roller-coaster 2017

Consumer goods giant Unilever ended its tumultuous 2017 on a high note, the Marmite-to-Dove soap revealed on Thursday as it posted better-than-expected figures.

The manufacturer, which spent much of last year reviewing the business after rebuffing a shock $143 billion (£100 billion) takeover bid from Kraft Heinz, said underlying sales rose 4% in the fourth quarter. Analysts had forecast 3.7% growth.

It has been attempting to prove to shareholders it is better off on its own. Over the last year the Domestos bleach maker has unveiled a €3.5 billion (£3.1 billion) restructuring plan, made a series of acquisitions, and agreed a sale of its spreads arm.

Finance chief Graeme Pitkethly said the firm was upbeat.

He added: “We are trying to keep the car running at full speed, but tuning the engine at the same time.”

Stripping out its spreads business, the Anglo-Dutch firm saw full-year turnover increase 2.2% to €50.7 billion. It was boosted by improving conditions in emerging markets.

Pretax profits rose to €8.2 billion from €7.5 billion.

The company did not comment on rumours it has begun the search for a successor to chief executive Paul Polman.