Unilever has announced the sale of its Unox and Zwan food brands to Zwanenberg Food Group. Unox is widely recognized for its meats and soups, while Zwan has been part of Unilever since 1928.
This follows the recent sale of Conimex to a Finnish food company. Unilever CEO Heike Schipper described the decision as difficult, noting Unox’s cultural significance in the Netherlands.
The company aims to focus on fewer, larger brands, particularly in kitchen items, small meals, and sauces. Unilever will retain Unox noodles and Cup-a-soup.
A specific supply chain is required for Unox and Zwan’s meat and soup products, making production adjustments challenging. Unilever previously sold a factory to Zwanenberg in 2017.
Reuters reported last week that Unilever was exploring the sale of these brands. The company is also seeking buyers for its ice cream brands, including Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s, though no buyers have been found.
Unilever, which moved its headquarters to London four years ago, is further reducing its presence in the Netherlands. The companies expect to complete the sale next year.
Source: NOS