The FMCG company today reported its first quarterly results under new chief executive Rakesh Kapoor, who was promoted from vice-president for category development to fill the role left vacant by Bart Becht's retirement.
Third quarter net revenues from the likes of Cillit Bang and Air Wick came in at £2.4bn, rising 4% on a like-for-like basis without the contribution of acquisitions such as SSL.
However, in Europe, which accounts for 43% of sales, like-for-like growth was minus 1%.
The company reported: "Volume sales were stable year-on-year, but net pricing has been negative reflecting higher levels of promotional spend to protect volume shares agains aggressive competition and this continues to be the key factor behind the like-for-like reduction in net revenue.
"Heavy promotional investment continues behind Vanish to protect volume share against competition."
The company increased its media spending by 8% year on year.
RB said it is continuing to switch its media spend from traditional TV channels to digital and other media for reaching consumers, with a focus on health and personal care powerbrands, which is "more cost effective".
Pre-tax profit climbed 12% to £634m, while operating profit rose 13% to £638m.
Kapoor attributed growth to the launch of products such as Dettol and Strepsils Warm in European and developing markets. He said in a statement: "Assuming a normal ‘flu season, we are on track to reach our full year 2011 targets of 12% growth in net revenue.
"Delivery of our full year targets will mean Reckitt Benckiser achieving another year of above-industry average growth in very challenging market conditions."
