Croda International, the Snaith, East Yorkshire-based FTSE 100 specialty chemicals giant, said its sales for the year to December 31, 2025, rose 4.4% to £1.699 billion, with adjusted profit before tax rising 6.2% to £276.2 million.

“Consumer Care and Life Sciences grew sales, adjusted operating margins and profits, with sales up 8% in both businesses at constant currency,” said the firm.

“In Consumer Care, Fragrances and Flavours (F&F) continues to outperform peers, and growth in Beauty was supported by more robust consumer sentiment in North America in the second half year.

“In Life Sciences, Crop Protection benefited from a recovery in demand from larger customers following an extended period of destocking, and Pharma delivered its strongest performance of the year in the final quarter despite the US regulatory environment continuing to create uncertainty for our customers.”

Croda CEO Steve Foots said: “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.

“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.”