Europe has rebounded strongly as more markets return to normal life after Covid-19 restrictions. Johnson & Johnson (J&J) reported sales of US$23.2 billion for its second quarter – up 27.1 per cent on the same period last year. Europe delivered the biggest revenue rise of 39.5 per cent.
J&J’s consumer health division, including its oral care and skin health portfolio, posted sales of US$3.73 billion in Q2 – up 13.3 per cent on the previous year. The strength of the Neutrogena, Aveeno and OGX brands were the key drivers. A major turnaround following the division’s 2.3 per cent slump in global sales in the first quarter of the year.
The multinational also released its consumer health sales for the first half of 2021 – up 5.2 per cent to US$7.27 billion. J&J’s pharmaceutical and medical device divisions were also on a roll to push the multinational’s total sales for the first six months of the year to US$45.63 billion – up 16.9 per cent on the same period last year.
Chris DelOrefice, vice-president of investor relations at J&J, reported that the skin health and beauty division had surged 12.9 per cent globally during Q2, backed by a strong uptick in the US. The company’s market-leading baby care division also experienced a 5 per cent increase globally during the second quarter.
Adding to the upbeat tone, Thibaut Mongon, executive vice-president and worldwide chairman of consumer health, linked the strong performance to the company’s ongoing strategy of promoting skin and general health with science-based, professionally-endorsed brands and advances in digital capabilities.