LONDON, Oct 23 Reuters Reckitt Benckiser CEO Kris Licht said on Wednesday the consumer goods company39;s business in China was thriving, with doubledigit sales growth there year on year, even as its rivals struggle as the world39;s No. 2 economy falters.

China39;s economy grew at the slowest pace since early 2023 in the third quarter, and though consumption and industrial output figures for last month beat forecasts a tumbling property sector remains a big challenge for Beijing as it tries to boost growth.

The country has struggled to mount a strong and sustainable postCOVID economic rebound, burdened by the property downturn, massive local government debt and weak privatesector spending.

Licht39;s comments contrast with some other companies such as L39;Oreal which on Tuesday blamed worsening demand in China for weakerthanexpected quarterly sales. Procter Gamble, the world39;s biggest consumer goods company, has been downgraded by some analysts in recent months due to its exposure to China.

But Licht said the products Reckitt makes in China have thrived despite generally low consumer sentiment and noted the company regularly launches products in China that are initially exclusive to that country.

Our business in China is thriving, and we39;re seeing doubledigit growth in that business year on year, he told Reuters in an interview after reporting slightly betterthanexpected results on Wednesday.

The company, whose strongest products in China include its Dettol…