Other highlights in 2007

Unilever took a historic step in 2007 when it committed to buying all its tea from sustainable, ethical sources – transforming the tea industry and improving the crops, income and livelihood of 2 million people across three continents. Lipton, the world's largest tea brand, and PG Tips, one of the UK's leading brands, became the first to carry the Rainforest Alliance logo, showing they meet the independent organisation's strict sustainability criteria – covering areas such as wildlife protection, water conservation and fair treatment of workers. The first certified tea was supplied to restaurants and the catering trade in Europe; all Lipton tea bags sold globally are expected to be certified by 2015.

One of our top priorities in 2007 was the simultaneous launch of Clear anti-dandruff shampoo in a number of countries – China, Russia, Brazil (three of the biggest hair care markets in the world), the Philippines, Pakistan, Egypt and Arabia. The brand has an innovative formula with superior anti-dandruff active delivery technology and is our first major Asian hair brand mix to go global. Its success shows the power of a centralised, consistent global approach to packaging, formulation and marketing. Clear shampoo is now winning consumer preference in all its markets and there are plans to consolidate growth while continuing its global roll-out in 2008.

Magnum Temptation ice cream offered European consumers the ultimate indulgence: a sensual shape containing Madagascan vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and almond pieces, wrapped in Belgian dark chocolate. It has the highest quantity of 'added extras' ever contained in a Magnum, thanks to new technology which involves bringing together two mould halves around the stick. Launched in Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Portugal, Magnum Temptation is the first expression of the brand's long-term super premium platform.

European consumers were given a powerful new weapon in the fight against limescale and germs, with the launch of Domestos Zero Limescale bleach. Its development was inspired by research showing that many more germs are present in toilets with limescale because germs cluster there, protecting themselves from being washed away. Its three-times-thicker formulation helps Domestos Zero Limescale bleach stick to and destroy limescale, even on vertical surfaces.

Mayonnaise lovers in Latin America responded enthusiastically to a campaign highlighting the health benefits of Hellmann's Light, a variant of global leader Hellmann's. The campaign, aired in Argentina, Chile and Brazil, made consumers aware that three spoonfuls of Hellmann's Light mayonnaise contain the same calories as one spoonful of olive oil. Underlying sales growth for the year was outstanding, particularly in Argentina and Brazil.

The newly launched Dove pro•age range proved popular among women aged 50 and over in North America and Europe. The multimedia campaign, shot by top celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz, featured middle-aged women looking natural, gorgeous – and completely naked. The pro•age range does not make unrealistic anti-ageing promises, but instead meets the specific hair and skin care needs of older consumers.

In Chinese households soup is a part of many people's daily diet. Knorr Bouillon Gel, launched in China under the Knorr Dense Soup Treasure name, captured the imagination of consumers eager to replicate the nutritional benefits of home-boiled soup without the hassle. Made with high-quality fresh ingredients, the gel reverts to dense-textured soup when stirred into boiling water, into which consumers can add their own choice of fresh vegetables.

Axe/Lynx, the world's second-largest deodorant brand, made a triumphant entry into the Japanese market and quickly became the country's top-selling male deodorant. The launch followed an extensive study of the young Japanese male, examining his attitude towards dating, use of deodorants and purchasing habits. The brand's range was given a substantial makeover in 2007 to ensure packaging and formulations are consistent the world over.