---
title: "Unilever Offloads Century Old Food Brands in Strategic Portfolio Reshuffle"
publisher: "Stockmark.IT"
author: "Stockmark.IT Website"
published: "2024-12-19T05:51:07+00:00"
modified: "2024-12-19T05:54:31+00:00"
date: 2024-12-19
canonical: "https://stockmark.it/unilever-offloads-century-old-food-brands-in-strategic-portfolio-reshuffle/"
category: "Companies"
categories: ["Companies", "Food Industry"]
image: "https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/stencil.default-2024-12-19T055416.904.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1"
format: "news"
language: "en-GB"
---

# Unilever Offloads Century Old Food Brands in Strategic Portfolio Reshuffle

**Published:** December 19, 2024
**Author:** Stockmark.IT Website
**Categories:** Companies, Food Industry
**Featured image:** ![Happy woman enjoys a meal outdoors from a reusable bowl. from Stockmark.it](https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/stencil.default-2024-12-19T055416.904.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1)

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Consumer goods giant Unilever is set to divest two historic food brands from its portfolio as part of a strategic realignment under new leadership. The company has received a binding offer from Dutch manufacturer Zwanenberg Food Group for its Unox and Zwan brands, which have been part of Unilever’s catalogue since 1937 and 1928, respectively.

The move aligns with CEO Hein Schumacher’s ambitious “growth action plan” unveiled in October 2023, which aims to streamline operations and enhance shareholder returns. The strategy centres on Unilever’s 30 “power brands” that generate 70% of the company’s turnover, including household names like Dove, Sure, and Persil.

Heiko Schipper, Unilever Foods president, acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, particularly regarding Unox’s iconic status in the Netherlands. The divestment reflects Unilever’s strategic shift towards focusing on cooking aids, mini-meals, and condiments within its food portfolio.

The sale comes shortly after Unilever’s disposal of its Asian food brand Conimex to a Finnish company. The £114 billion market-valued organisation is also contemplating the sale of its ice cream division, including popular brands Magnum, Ola, and Ben & Jerry’s.

Zwanenberg Food Group, which already operates the former Unilever Oss plant producing Unox products, appears well-positioned to integrate these brands. The Dutch company maintains 12 production facilities across the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States.

The transaction, expected to complete in 2025, remains subject to regulatory approvals and consultation processes. Unilever’s shares closed at £46.08, down 0.9%, though the stock has demonstrated robust performance with a 22% increase over the past year.

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