Reckitt Benckiser Group has failed to register quarterly sales growth for the first time in the company's history.
The maker of a number of recognisable fast moving consumer goods such as Durex condoms and Dettol cleaning products blamed the result on its Scholl foot-care and Air Wick freshener brands.
CEO Rakesh Kapoor, said new products, Scholl’s Wet and Dry Velvet Smooth electric hard-skin remover, were launched too close to each other.
"Perhaps we should have spaced out these launches to give them enough breathing time and recovery time," he said.
While sales growth was flat total revenue increased 15 percent to $3.37 billion, taking currency fluctuations into account.
Mr Kapoor said sales should improve in the second quarter, adding that the "underlying business remains strong".
Reckitt Benckiser has maintained its full year sales growth forecast of 3 percent.
Earlier this month the company said it was exploring "all options", including a sale, of its food business, which includes French's mustard and Frank's Red Hot sauce.