Annual Report 2025

Launched in Australia, New Zealand and Poland, Strepsils Sore Throat and Cough positions the brand across a much larger symptomatic category with higher incidence than sore throat alone. The expansion reflects our commitment to science-backed formulations, including use of established, proven herbal actives. Early performance in ANZ has been strong, with rapid share gains and engagement ahead of forecast. The move also builds on our longstanding work with healthcare professionals to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. Although around nine in ten sore throats are viral, antibiotics are still routinely given. Strepsils’ education programmes support clinicians to recommend medicated sore throat solutions as the right treatment for the right occasion, helping people manage symptoms appropriately at home.

Our 100% plant-derived antiseptic liquid launched in China this year and is expected to deliver around £60 million in its first year. It brings natural germ protection into the mainstream by using science to simplify ingredients without compromising Dettol’s efficacy and safety standards. Early momentum reflects rising demand in China for plant-based hygiene options and clearer ingredient profiles, alongside a simplified formula that is safe for use around children and suitable for more areas of the home, including baby and pet spaces. By creating a new space adjacent to core antiseptics, we are broadening Dettol’s role in Chinese households and demonstrating how category-creating innovation can unlock incremental demand while strengthening the equity of Reckitt’s trusted hygiene brands.

Finish Ultimate Plus has shifted the German dishwashing category towards superior, premium formats. Consumer insight showed frustration with pre-rinsing and inconsistent eco-cycle performance. We developed a new formulation with Cycle Sync technology which removes burnt-on stains in the toughest conditions and even in old machines and hard water areas. The result is exceptional cleaning on low-energy settings with no need for pre-rinsing. In store, clear superiority messaging, stronger shelf visibility and an increase in shelf space from 40 to 70%, along with tailored packs for discounters (which account for 35% of retail share), amplified by micro-influencers and targeted sampling, have all helped convert shoppers and reinforce Finish’s leadership.

Durex Intensity has delivered strong performance since launching in Europe early this year, to become one of the best-selling products in the portfolio. Its impact goes beyond early sales: Intensity directly addresses the main reason people stop or lapse in condom use - reduced sensation - and is now proven to bring consumers into the category, driving incremental revenue and strengthening Durex’s premium position. Intensity is the first male condom made from nitrile, a material that enables body heat transfer and enhances sensation without compromising protection. The breakthrough meets a longstanding consumer need for greater closeness and connection, translating deep insight and scientific investment into a step-change in experience. Early results indicate broad appeal, reinforcing brand equity while creating a new platform for future innovation.