Profits at Unilever Ireland reached €7.3 million in 2011, new accounts filed with the Companies Registration Office showed.

The company reversed a €10.1 million loss recorded in 2010, despite the challenging economic environment.

Total turnover was 20 per cent higher at €297.8 million, although like-for-like turnover was down 2.2 per cent. Irish sales were up to €228.4 million, from €217.7 million a year earlier.

Export sales were €69.4 million during the period.

The Irish division of the company markets and distributes food, and home and personal care products, with brands such as HB ice cream, Lyons Tea, Knorr, Flora, Hellmann’s, Dove, Lynx, Radox, Simple, Persil and Cif. Unilever added the Alberto Culver brands in 2011.

"With the ongoing investment made in Unilever brands, people and organisational capabilities, I believe the company is well placed for sustainable growth in Ireland in future years," Unilever Ireland managing director Jill Ross said.

The Citywest based firm employs 160 people in Ireland.

Worldwide, the group operates in 100 countries and employs 171,000 people.