On the back of robust growth in personal care and food products category, FMCG major Hindustan Unilever on Friday reported a 13.18 per cent rise in net profit at Rs 558 crore (Rs 5.58 billion) for the second quarter ended June 30, against Rs 493 crore (Rs 4.93 billion) during the same period last year.

The company also posted a total income of Rs 4,299 crore (Rs 42.99 billion) for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, compared to Rs 3,508 crore (Rs 35.08 billion) a year-ago, up 22.54 per cent.

An interim dividend of Rs 3.50 per share of Re 1 for the period of 15 months ending on March 31, 2009 would be paid to shareholders, Hindustan Unilever (HUL) said in a statement.

Commenting on the sales performance, the company said its hygiene and personal care (HPC) business grew at 20 per cent in all categories, including laundry, personal wash, shampoo, skin care products and oral care range.

The company's food business grew at 14 per cent in various categories, including beverages, processed food, ice-cream and mineral water. It reported a growth of 19 per cent in overall FMCG sales.

"Building on the strong start to the year, we have sustained the growth momentum in this quarter....the business is being managed dynamically using all available levers, including cost management, enhanced mix and judicious pricing," HUL chairman Harish Manwani said. HUL said its HPC executive director Gopal Vittal has been appointed as member of the company's board of directors.