Colgate-Palmolive's North American sales advanced 5% in the first quarter as the firm strengthened its market share in oral care and benefited from successful new soap and underarm products, the firm reported during an April 26 sales and earnings call.

Net sales for the region reached $755 million for the three-month period ended March 31, with organic sales growth of 5.5%. Operating profit in North America decreased 5% to $183 million for the quarter due to higher raw material costs, the firm says in a same-day release.

Colgate was “pleased” with those results, VP-Investor Relations Bina Thompson said. “It was very encouraging to see positive dollar category growth in all our categories, with our overall consumption outpacing that category growth,” she added during the call.

However, the firm is still “cautious relative to the macroeconomic environment and general consumer spending habits,” she noted.

Colgate Optic White, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpastes and the relaunch of Colgate Total toothpastes increased the brand's share of the toothpaste category by 1 point, reaching 36.8% year to date, the firm reported in its release.

“The momentum behind our super-premium-price Colgate Optic White toothpaste continues, as we created buzz among stylists, celebrity influencers and magazines,” Thompson said.

Other new products that boosted sales in the quarter included the Softsoap brand's Pampered Hands Jasmine Oasis foaming hand soap and Vineyard Escape Scrub. Irish Spring Clear & Fresh Skin body wash and Speed Stick Power deodorants also performed well.

Overall, Colgate's net sales advanced 5% for the quarter to $4.2 billion, with unit volume growing 3.5% and pricing increasing 3.5%.

Last year, the company reported it would increase pricing on a global scale to help offset growing commodity costs Also see "Colgate "Unafraid" To Hike Prices To Offset Rising Costs" - Pink Sheet, 2 May, 2011..

Net income in the first quarter advanced 3% to $593 million, reflecting $8 million in after-tax charges resulting from the previously disclosed implementation of various business realignment and other cost-saving initiatives, the firm says.

Colgate Posts 5% Growth In North America, But Remains Cautious

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