Unilever raised its outlook for the year after underlying sales growth accelerated in the second quarter. For the full year, Unilever expects underlying sales growth within its 4% to 6% multi-year guidance, after previously expecting it to come in at the bottom end of that range.

The company said it now expects around 3% underlying volume growth, having previously anticipated at least 2% growth for the year. Underlying sales for the Dove soap maker rose 5.8% on year in the quarter, compared with 3.1% in the same period last year, excluding ice-cream. This marks a significant acceleration from the prior year's performance.

Company-compiled analysts' estimates expected 4.3% growth in the second quarter, meaning Unilever surpassed expectations by a considerable margin. The improved outlook reflects stronger consumer demand across its portfolio.