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Extreme heat across Europe is increasingly affecting corporate performance, boosting sales of cooling and sun-care products while disrupting construction, energy and other operations.
Mentions of extreme heat, drought and wildfires appeared on a record share of recent earnings calls by European companies with market values above $1 billion, according to data from AlphaSense cited by the Financial Times. Such issues were raised on about one in 10 calls, highlighting how climate risks are becoming a more prominent part of corporate planning.
Manufacturers are reporting stronger demand for products such as fans, air conditioners, swimming pools, sun cream and groundwater pumps. Groupe SEB said sales of fans in Europe rose 30% in June from a year earlier, while Beiersdorf reported its strongest-ever month for sun-protection products.
Pool manufacturer Fluidra described swimming pools as a “climate refuge” and a long-term business opportunity. Beijer Ref, meanwhile, said demand for cooling equipment was particularly strong in central Europe, the UK and France.
Some companies are also changing their operations to cope with higher temperatures. Care-home operator Clariane plans to accelerate €10 million in air-conditioning investment, particularly in northern Europe, after reporting a 15% increase in short stays as families sought cooler and safer environments for relatives.
Construction companies are also facing growing challenges. Dutch contractor Koninklijke Heijmans said it could eventually have to introduce hot-weather leave for workers after temperatures of 35C forced crews to stop work.
The impact is also being felt in the energy sector. Drax warned that access to cooling water for its operations is becoming more difficult during hot summers, while Engie chief executive Catherine MacGregor described 2026 as a potential tipping point as climate conditions become increasingly unpredictable and extreme.
Some companies, however, remain cautious about interpreting the latest heatwaves as evidence of a permanent change in consumer behaviour.
H&M said hotter weather was supporting demand for summer clothing but argued that weather-related effects on sales tend to balance out over time. Jet2 similarly played down the long-term impact of the UK’s hot weather, while Ryanair said demand for beach destinations in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece remained strong.
The contrasting responses show that extreme weather is producing both opportunities and risks for European businesses. While some companies are benefiting from rising demand for cooling and heat-related products, others are being forced to invest in infrastructure and reconsider how they protect workers and maintain operations as temperatures rise.
