Dabur India reports 5.4% rise in Q1 profit on stronger demand

BENGALURU, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Consumer goods-maker Dabur India (DABU.NS) reported a rise in first-quarter profit on Thursday as easing inflation propped demand.

The companys consolidated net profit rose 5.4% year-on-year to 4.64 billion rupees ($56.1 million) in the quarter ended June 30.

Indias annual retail inflation cooled to a more than two-year low in May as food costs eased, driving up discretionary spending.

The company said last month that demand in both urban and rural segments has picked up.

Daburs revenue in April-June rose nearly 11% to 31.30 billion rupees, led largely by growth in its consumer care business which includes products such as hair oil and toothpaste.

The companys consumer care business accounts for more than three-fourths of its revenue.

Rival Marico (MRCO.NS) reported a fall in June-quarter revenue on sluggish rural demand, with profit rising on a drop in input costs. Top consumer company Hindustan Unilever(HLL.NS) posted a smaller-than-expected rise in profit.

Other consumer goods companies Nestle India(NEST.NS) and Colgate-Palmolive (India)(COLG.NS) posted a jump in profit.

Daburs shares pared some of the days losses after the results.

($1 = 82.7900 Indian rupees)