Unilever Eyes Divestment of Non-Core Food Brands in Strategic Shift

Unilever is preparing to divest several food brands with combined annual sales of approximately $1.05 billion, according to CEO Hein Schumacher. While Schumacher did not disclose specific brands targeted for sale, the move aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline its food portfolio.

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Unilever was exploring the sale of certain Dutch brands, including Unox soups and Conimex seasonings, alongside smaller food brands in Britain and other European markets.

With a global portfolio of around 400 brands, Unilever has been working to sharpen its focus on its top 30 “power” brands and simplify its business operations, particularly in Europe. As part of this strategy, the company announced in March plans to spin off its ice cream division, which includes well-known names such as Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s.

Schumacher highlighted his goal of refining what he described as a “rather eclectic portfolio of food brands,” concentrating on categories like sauces, condiments, and products designed for restaurants and professional kitchens.

However, not all brands falling outside these categories are necessarily on the chopping block. Schumacher emphasized that the company is not planning a rapid or indiscriminate sale of assets, noting that some brands may remain within Unilever despite not fitting perfectly into its core strategy.

Have you read?
What Business Leaders Can Learn from Top Sporting Event Athletes.
African countries with the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs)
Revealed: Countries With the Largest Forex Reserves.
Eric Spofford Is Turning People’s Lives Around as a Business Athlete.
Countries buying the most Black Hawk helicopters.