Sales during the nine-month period was up by 10 per cent from 474 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Gross operating profit during nine-month period was up by 14 per cent to Rs 103 crore from Rs 90 crore. The cumulative profit before tax upto the third quarter was Rs 96 crore, reporting a 13.6 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.

The growth during the nine-month period can be attributed to continued strong performance of all SBCH brands, a company statement here said.

SBCH managing director Simon J Scraff said: "SCBH continues to perform well under continuing difficult market conditions. The strong performance is outcome of best practices, committment to quality and a strong impetus on providing the value for money equation that our consumers appreciate."

The company press release here stated that its products Aquafresh toothpaste launched four months ago has performed beyond expectations, capturing 24 per cebt of the rapidly growing striped toothpaste sub-segment. The Aquafresh toothbrush had captured over 6 per cent market share by August 1999. Energy drink Boost has also shown substantial growth since its fortification with energy boosters.