The Zone grew strongly, at +22.0% like-for-like and +28.1% reported.
In SAPMENA, the Group achieved solid growth across all markets despite sourcing challenges. Consumers returned to stores and L’Oréal recorded booming sales in thebrick‑and‑mortar channel. In the Pacific, growth was mainly driven by the fragrance and skincare categories, notably with the expansion of La Roche Posay and CeraVe. Maybelline New York makeup and Garnier skincare both fuelled progression across South-East Asia. The spectacular growth in India was spurred by the success of the Professional Products Division and the Consumer Products Division across all categories. Growth in the Gulf States continued to gather momentum.
In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), L’Oréal significantly out performed the market thanks to the dynamism of all Divisions, with the Active Cosmetics Division achieving spectacular growth following the successful launch of CeraVe in the region.
The Zone posted strong growth, at +18.6% like-for-like and+34.1% based on reported figures.
L’Oréal recorded double-digit growth in key countries and gained market share. All Divisions contributed to this impressive performance, led by the Consumer Products Division, which saw spectacular growth. The Group continued to increase the weight of sales in e-commerce, while also enjoying double‑digit growth in brick-and-mortar thanks to a winning omnichannel activation strategy.
The skincare category drove very strong growth in Mexico, while Brazil’s performance was propelled by the remarkable growth of the Consumer Products Division and L’Oréal Luxe.
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| € millions | % 2020 sales | € millions | % 2021 sales | € millions | % 2022 sales | |
| Sales | 27,992.1 | 100.0% | 32,287.6 | 100.0% | 38 260.6 | 100.0% |
| Cost of sales | -7,532.3 | 26.9% | -8,433.3 | 26.1% | - 10 577.4 | 27.6% |
| Gross profit | 20,459.8 | 73.1% | 23,854.3 | 73.9% | 27 683.3 | 72.4% |
| R&I expenses | -964.4 | 3.4% | -1,028.7 | 3.2% | - 1 138.6 | 3.0% |
| Advertising and promotion expenses | -8,647.9 | 30.9% | -10,591.0 | 32.8% | - 12 059.0 | 31.5% |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | -5,638.5 | 20,1 % | -6,074.2 | 18.8% | - 7 028.8 | 18.4% |
| OPERATING PROFIT | 5,547.5 | 18.6% | 6,160.3 | 19.1% | 7 456.9 | 19.5% |
Gross profit, at 27,683.3 million euros, came out at 72.4% of sales, compared with 73.9% in 2021, a difference of 150 basis points.
Research & Innovation expenses, at 3% of sales, increased by more than +10%.
Advertising and promotion expenses accounted for 31.5%of sales, a decrease of 130 basis points.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, at 18.4% of sales, decreased by 40 basis points.
Overall, operating profit increased by +21.0% to 7,456.9 million euros, and amounted to 19.5% of sales, an improvement of40 basis points.
(1) SAPMENA – SSA: South Asia Pacific, Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa
