Croda International has reported a 4.4% jump in annual sales to £1.7bn in its latest full-year results.

The speciality chemicals company said it was “encouraged” by its performance in 2025, as it acknowledged an “uncertain trading environment”.

While Croda’s statutory pre-tax profit totalled £91m last year, down 56.2% from 2024, the group’s profit on an adjusted basis totalled £276.2m, a figure up 6.2% on the previous year and by 8.4% at constant currency.

The FTSE 100 company, which manufactures and supplies chemicals for a range of industries including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, said its progress was driven by 8% growth in its consumer care sales, as well as 8% growth in life sciences sales. This helped to offset a decline of 2% in industrial specialties sales.

Croda also confirmed that it had begun a working capital improvement programme, having set out a financial framework for the next three years, as it targets a £50m reduction in costs for the 2028 financial year.

“I am encouraged by the early progress we have made in 2025 delivering on our plan to grow earnings and improve returns in an uncertain trading environment,” Croda’s CEO, Steve Foots, said.

“Our differentiated business model and higher-growth portfolio have underpinned progress with consumer care and life sciences both growing sales, adjusted margins and profits.

“Our efforts to drive more consistent growth and transform the business are beginning to deliver results and whilst there is much more to do, our confidence in realising further improvements in performance is highlighted by the three-year financial framework we have set out today.”

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