Fast moving consumer goods major Hindustan Unilever declared that its net profit increased 47.14% to Rs 581.2 crore during the January-March quarter as against Rs 394.99 crore in the same period of the last year (2008-09).

HUL's total income surged 8% to Rs 4,408.65 crore for the three month period as compared to Rs 4,077.57 crore in the like period a year ago.

The company recorded profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 2,202.03 crore for the fiscal ended March 2010 from Rs 2,496.46 crore during the previous year.

During the fiscal, HUL's total income was Rs 17,873.44 crore as against Rs 20,829.05 crore a year ago.

HUL's Chairman Mr. Harish Manwani said, "In an environment of heightened competitive intensity we have accelerated volume growth, ahead of market. Building new segments and expanding our offerings in foods and improving the overall quality of our innovations have started to yield positive results."

During the quarter, domestic consumer and FMCG sales climbed 8% on the back of positive growth in Home and Personal Care (HPC) products and foods.

According to the company, the HPC business increased by 5.5% with volume growth in soaps, detergents and personal products partly intensified by the inventions as well as growth in portfolio.

For the fiscal 2010, the company recorded a net profit of Rs 2,202.03 crore, whereas net sales grew to Rs 17,523.80 crore. (With Inputs from Agencies)