HOUSEHOLD products group Reckitt Benckiser raised the bar on its annual revenues target after growth across all its product categories.

Reckitt, which makes Lemsip, Dettol, Airwick air fresheners and Harpic disinfectant, said two strong quarters meant its target for net revenues growth this year was now seven per cent-plus, rather than the five per cent previously forecast.

Significant contributors to the first half included the group's new Vanish Oxi Action carpet cleaner and Lysol toilet cleaning brush.

The Anglo-Dutch group said net income grew by 18 per cent in the first half to £234m, causing it to set an identical figure as its full-year target. Both growth forecasts are based on the same exchange rates as last year.

Chief executive Bart Becht said: "Growth has come from all categories and regions behind new product initiatives.

"After two strong quarters, Reckitt Benckiser is firmly on track to deliver ahead of the company's initial full-year targets."

First-half revenues grew by ten per cent to £1.87bn, although currency fluctuations weakened the final reported figure to five per cent.

Overall, operating profits increased by seven per cent in the second quarter to £174m, with the figure for the year to date ahead by 14 per cent to £319m.

The strongest improvement came in health and personal care, where revenues were 16 per cent higher on a constant exchange rate basis at £304m.