Unilever, the world's second-largest consumer goods company, is heightening its focus on innovation, as it seeks to strengthen its position both during and after the economic downturn.

The Anglo-Dutch giant is hoping to introduce the first new products that have formed part of its recent development drive, operating under the title of Genesis, in 2010.

According to Genevieve Berger, the company's chief innovation officer, it will then unveil a number of "big innovations" over the course of the next two years.

Since taking up her position in June 2009, Berger has consolidated Unilever's R&D operations into six main global centres, which are stationed in China, India, the Netherlands, the UK and US.

"There is, with my appointment, more discussion at the top table around big innovations and big opportunities," she said.

"It's quick. 2010 is already tomorrow. There's a whole set of launches and innovations starting in 2010. Genesis as such would partly start in 2010, and will mainly be in 2011."

It is also implementing a number of "renovations" across its existing portfolio, such as with the launch of Magnum Temptation, which has helped increase brand sales over the last six months.

The London-based firm has 6,000 employees operating in the fields of R&D and innovation, and its ceo, Paul Polman, recently stated that €1 billion ($1.5bn; £886m) has been allocated to this area.

source:  www.warc.com