Unilever released its results for the first quarter 2013, and the company says it maintained good growth momentum despite tough competition and a challenging economy. Some of the quarter’s highlights included and underlying sales growth of 4.9% with emerging markets up 10.4%; and increase in turnover by .2% to 12.2 billion Euros; and a quarterly dividend up 10.7%.

“This performance is further evidence that Unilever is becoming fit to win and capable of delivering consistent growth ahead of our markets,” says Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever. “Our strategy is working,” he adds.

Unilever also says its its Sustainable Living Plan is influencing its day-to-day decisions – and helping to drive sales while reducing costs. For instance, Dove is one of Unilever’s brands that have made sustainability central to its brand proposition, and it continues to perform well.