Karachi(newsviews) Amid rising food inflation and weakening purchasing power from higher fuel costs driven by Middle East tensions since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran on Feb 28, local and multinational consumer goods companies in Pakistan reported improved sales in the first nine months of 2026 and the first quarter of FY27.

However, some companies remain cautious about their full-year 2026 outlook amid persistent inflationary pressures.

Nestlé Pakistan

Nestlé Pakistan’s net sales for the nine months ended Sept 30, amounted to Rs160bn, up 6.3pc from the corresponding period last year.

Despite rising inflation, political instability and higher fuel and energy prices amid the US-Iran war, the company sustained its business momentum. It attributed its performance to increased investment in brands, product innovation and renovation (I&R), stronger marketplace execution, improved export channels and disciplined pricing, where necessary.

Local and multinational companies post robust sales growth this year

Net profit after tax rose 3.1pc to Rs14.526bn from Rs14.1bn a year earlier, despite higher tax expenses. In response to geopolitical uncertainty, the company accelerated localisation and secured essential inventories to reduce foreign exchange exposure, strengthen supply chain resilience and ensure uninterrupted operations.

Citing geopolitical instability, volatile energy and input costs, and persistent inflation, Nestlé maintained a cautious outlook for 2026.

FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan

FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan’s revenue increased 10.1pc to Rs88.4bn in the first nine months of 2026 from Rs80.2bn in the corresponding period last year. The company attributed the growth to a favourable product mix, stronger market execution and selective investment in brands. Profit rose to Rs6.5bn from Rs2bn a year earlier.

Regional conflicts, higher freight and energy prices put pressure on the company’s operations and input costs during the third quarter of 2026. In Pakistan, inflation and interest rates also constrained household purchasing power, affecting product affordability and demand, the company said.

Unilever Pakistan

Unilever Pakistan Foods’ sales rose to Rs37.6bn in the first nine months of 2026 from Rs30bn a year earlier, while profit after tax increased to Rs6.326bn from Rs4.6bn.

Unilever said Pakistan’s economy remained resilient, supported by higher foreign exchange reserves, fiscal consolidation and a gradual recovery in economic activity. However, renewed inflation, higher global commodity and energy prices, and Middle East tensions continued to constrain consumer spending, the company added.

Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan

Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan’s sales rose 25.53pc to Rs52.7bn in July-September 2026, driven by higher prices and sales volumes. Profit after tax increased 8pc to Rs4.9bn compared with the corresponding period last year.

The company said persistent inflation, tax collection constraints and high energy tariffs continued to pose challenges. Regional tensions also posed supply chain risks because of its reliance on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for essential raw materials.

Fauji Foods

Fauji Foods Limited (FFL) recorded its highest-ever nine-month revenue of Rs23.9bn in 2026, up 14.1pc from the corresponding period last year. However, profit after tax fell to Rs666m from Rs945m. Despite inflationary pressures on consumption, FFL reported growth across its product portfolio.

National Foods Limited

National Foods Limited’s sales rose to Rs11.1bn in July-September 2026 from Rs10bn a year earlier, while profit increased to Rs888m from Rs801m.

According to Rabia Yousuf of Topline Securities, National Foods informed shareholders at its 55th annual general meeting, held recently, that it expected revenue growth of 15pc in FY27, with scope for further improvement if macroeconomic conditions improved.

She said management highlighted a rise in freight rates from $500-$600 to $5,000 per container. Continuing tensions in the Middle East may also constrain export volume growth.

Management plans to launch more than 25 products and remains optimistic about expanding its portfolio.