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Croda International PLC on Wednesday reported lower first-quarter sales, but maintained full-year guidance on the back of constant-currency growth. The Yorkshire, England-based speciality chemicals maker booked £431 million in sales for the three months ended March 31, down 2.5% from £442 million a year prior, but up 1% at constant exchange rates. Consumer Care contributed £255 million, with sales holding steady on-year, while Life Sciences revenue fell 6.0% to £126 million from £134 million. Industrial Specialties slipped 5.7% to £50 million from £53 million. Croda noted a strong comparator in the first quarter of 2025 and stressed that growth in both Beauty Actives and Fragrances & Flavours had offset lower Crop Protection sales, with the latter ‘not benefiting from the customer inventory rebuild that positively impacted our performance in 2025’. All regions except North America registered growth, with Latin America up 4% on a reported basis and 11% at CER, buoyed by agricultural sales momentum. North America declined 13%, or 7% at CER, as Crop Protection demand normalised, whilst negative weather effects and cost pressures on consumers weighed. ‘The conflict in the Middle East did not have a material effect on our business in the first quarter,’ Croda continued, estimating that the region accounted for roughly 5% of total sales, mainly in Fragrances & Flavours. ‘We are actively and responsibly managing the impact of the conflict, increasing prices to fully recover input cost inflation,’ the company said. ‘In line with the financial framework to full year 2028 outlined in February, we are confident of delivering an improving performance over the next three years comprising more consistent sales growth, enhanced profitability, growing cashflows and improving returns on capital,’ Croda noted. The company backed its 2026 outlook, with it continuing to expect organic sales growth within its 3% to 6% range. It also anticipates growth in its adjusted operating margin, as well as adjusted operating profit in line with market expectations at constant currency. ‘Implementation of our transformation programme remains on track and means that a significant proportion of future margin improvement is in our control and not dependent on market recovery. ’ Croda shares rose 1.7% to 3,048.00 pence on Wednesday morning in London. Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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