Unilever is on a mission to enhance its Foods portfolio for sustainable growth and scalability. By concentrating on a smaller number of larger brands across categories like cooking aids, mini meals, and condiments, the company aims to achieve long-term success. However, the meat and soup products of Unox and Zwan present unique challenges due to their specific supply chain, sourcing model, and technological/R&D requirements, which make them less scalable within the broader Unilever Foods portfolio. Interestingly, Unox's Noodles and Cup-a-Soup products align perfectly with the mini meals category and will continue to be part of the total Unilever Foods portfolio.

Unilever Foods President's Perspective

Heiko Schipper, President of Unilever Foods, emphasizes the significance of Unox. He states that Unox is a highly regarded and iconic brand in the Netherlands. The decision to part with it was not taken lightly, considering its association with Dutch winter activities such as the New Year's Dive in Scheveningen and ice-skating events. The distinctive orange hat branding and a wide array of award-winning advertising campaigns have firmly established Unox's place in Dutch culture.This brand holds a special place in the hearts of the Dutch people and its legacy is something that Unilever values. Despite the separation, Unilever is confident that Unox will continue to thrive under the right ownership.

Beloved Brands in Different Regions

Zwan, on the other hand, is a cherished brand in Belgium. It is associated with comfort, nostalgia, and quick and easy meals, making it an integral part of everyday Belgian life. Sjoerd van der Laan, CEO of Zwanenberg Food Group, highlights the significance of this acquisition. He believes that the Unox and Zwan brands are a wonderful addition to their range. As a broad food company with strong brands, this acquisition fits perfectly with their ambitions.After acquiring the Unilever factory in Oss in 2018, the addition of the Unox and Zwan brands further strengthens their position in the market. These brands bring unique value and a sense of familiarity to their portfolio.

Production and Deal Details

The deal includes the production of soup-in-pouch in the factory in Poznan. This indicates a strategic move to leverage existing production capabilities and expand their product offerings. The binding offer is subject to the usual closing conditions, regulatory requirements, and consultation processes. Unilever expects to complete the deal within 2025, demonstrating their commitment to this strategic initiative.While the financial terms of the binding offer are undisclosed, it is clear that this acquisition holds great potential for both Unilever and Zwanenberg Food Group. It allows them to combine their strengths and create a more competitive position in the food industry.