Church & Dwight Co., Inc. reported net sales for the third quarter ended Sept. 25, 2009 increased approximately 2.5% to $646.2 million. Organic sales grew 5.7% for the quarter. Operating income increased 38% to $117.9 million.

Consumer domestic sales were $481.7 million -a $36.9 million increase or 8.3% above the prior year third quarter sales. Excluding a divestiture, the third quarter organic sales increased by 9.1% as a result of higher sales of brandssuch as Xtra Liquid Laundry Detergent, Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent and Oxiclean Laundry Additive, said the company.

James R. Craigie, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, “The strong organic sales growth was driven by consumer appeal of our high quality premium products and value-oriented products, new products, carryover benefits of 2008 pricing actions and a record level of marketing spending, partially offset by soft sales in the Specialty Products Division. We increased sales and market share for seven of our eight “power brands” in the quarter, and achieved strong organic sales growth in both our household and our personal care product lines. Our results also reflect exceptional gross and operating margin expansion. The improved gross margin reflects lower commodity costs, pricing, and our continuing robust cost reduction programs.”