PZ Cussons, the owner of tanning brand St. Tropez and body care business Sanctuary Spa, has reported strong sales in FY26 after a strategic review of its Africa business paid off.
The brand owner posted a 5.4% increase in group revenue to £541.4m and an adjusted operating profit of £59.5m, up 24.5% year-on-year.
PZ Cussons also saw a net debt reduction of £87m to £25m, driven primarily by proceeds from the sale of the PZ Wilmar joint venture in 2026 – a partnership with Singapore-based agribusiness giant, Wilmar International.
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The group’s overall robust results were driven by successful pricing strategies alongside a marginal increase in sales volumes.
This top-line expansion was further supported by broad-based demand across all four lead markets and top ten brands, which also includes personal care brands Imperial Leather and Carex.
In 2026, PZ Cussons completed a strategic review of its Africa business and established the group’s refreshed strategy, delivering growth from hero brands in the market.
A refreshed strategy for St.Tropez, which returned to 6.9% growth in its largest market of North America, helped to offset revenue decline in the UK and Europe.
Jonathan Myers, PZ Cussons CEO, said: “We delivered a strong trading performance in FY26, with revenue growth across each of our four lead markets and each of our top ten brands.
“Combined with structural cost savings and more favourable FX movements in Nigeria, this translated into adjusted operating profit growth of nearly 25%, excluding the contribution from the now sold PZ Wilmar joint venture.
“We also enjoyed good early success with our refreshed strategic approach for St.Tropez which returned to growth in its key market of North America.”
Other highlights for the year included a continued strengthening of brand-building capabilities, supported by a £3.5m increase in marketing investment.
Valeria Juarez and Jitesh Sodha, both Non-Executive Directors of the group, will step down from the board with effect from the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 1 October 2026.
Looking ahead to FY27, PZ Cussons stated that trading has started in line with expectations.
Although the business remains mindful of “macro-economic uncertainty”, the board expects to deliver adjusted operating profit in line with current market expectations.
Myers added: “At the same time, we completed our strategic review and established a refreshed strategy with a clearer financial framework and capital allocation policy.
“We are now a more focused and resilient business, leveraging competitive advantages from our locally-loved brands, go-to-market capabilities and manufacturing scale, with a portfolio balanced across developed and emerging markets.
“The current year has started in line with expectations, and we are pleased with the continued early signs of progress.
“While there is plenty more to do, and we are mindful of macro-economic uncertainties, we are well placed to continue delivering sustainable growth.”
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