Croda International, the Snaith, East Yorkshire-based FTSE 100 specialty chemicals giant, said its profit before tax rose 25.6% to £107.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2026, with sales rising 2.9% to £880.5 million.

Interim dividend per share was maintained at 48p.

Keeping its full-year outlook, Croda said: “There is no change to our outlook for full year 2026 despite the ongoing geopolitical and macro-economic uncertainty …

“We continue to expect: Group organic sales growth within our 3-6% range … a further increase in gGroup adjusted operating margin driven by improving profitability in Consumer Care and Life Sciences and the benefits of our transformation programme …

“Our expectations for group full year 2026 adjusted operating profit are unchanged.”

Croda International CEO Steve Foots said: “We have delivered a good first half performance in line with our expectations with strong growth in Consumer Care.

“Group profits continue to grow ahead of sales, reflecting both increased customer demand for innovation and the benefits of our transformation programme.

“We are rigorously executing our plan to grow earnings and returns, successfully reinvigorating Beauty and seeing the early benefits of rebalancing Pharma.

“Despite the ongoing macro uncertainty, our outlook for full year 2026 is unchanged and we remain on track to deliver our financial framework for full year 2028.”