CONSUMER products giant Unilever lifted first quarter profits by 28% – despite a big rise in spending on advertising and promotions.

The group, which includes Dove soap and Knorr cooking products among its brands, lifted sales volumes by 7.6% in the first three months of the year – offsetting a 3.3% fall in prices caused by competitive pressures and lower commodity costs.

Pre-tax profits totalled £1.2bn in the first quarter as emerging markets delivered the strongest growth. European sales volumes were up by 4% on the back of strong sales in the UK and the Netherlands.