Despite the significant sales volumes in the first quarter 1999-2000, on account of the mega-launch of Colgate Dental Cream with `Super Shakti', the company has shown a an increase in sales of by 2 per cent during the period to Rs 295 crore. Unit volume grew by 2 per cent, said the company in a release while adding that "the sales system has been focussing on the streamlining its channel-stocks to pave way for yet another re-launch of `Colgate Dental Cream'" - the flagship brand.

Colgate expanded its toothpaste range by launching `Colgate-Cibaca Top' in the economy segment. This toothpaste, retailing at Rs five per 50gm a tube is aimed at towns that have a population of less than a lakh. The launch is seen helping the process of transitioning consumers to more advanced oral-care products.

The company claimed that it had enhanced its brand equity and leadership in the shave preparations by launching `International Palmolive Shave Gel', and `International Palmolive Shave Foam' in the premium end of the market.