The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Unilever has confirmed it is in discussions with McCormick & Company over a potential sale of its food business.

Unilever’s foods division is home to major brands such as Hellmann's, Knorr and Colman's, and generated more than €12.9 billion in revenue in 2025, accounting for roughly a quarter of the group’s annual sales.

A deal with McCormick would combine these assets with the US seasoning and condiment company’s portfolio, which includes brands such as Frank's RedHot and Cholula. If an agreement is reached, the new merged entity would represent a major deal combining two international players in condiments, sauces and flavour solutions.

McCormick, which is globally headquartered in Maryland, US, is valued at $14.5 billion, while London-headquartered Unilever has a market capitalisation of over $132 billion.

The discussions signal a potential acceleration of Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez’s strategy to pivot the company further toward higher-growth beauty and personal care categories. The company has already taken steps in this direction, including the spin-off of its ice cream business in 2025.

Unilever has reportedly explored other strategic options for its foods business, with speculation mounting about the future of the company's food business over the past few months. According to a report from Financial Times this week, these options included a potential combination with Kraft Heinz’s condiments division, though those discussions did not result in a deal.

In a statement, Unilever said its board "believes Foods is a highly attractive business, with a strong financial profile led by market-leading brands in growing categories, and is confident in the future of the Foods business as part of Unilever".

McCormick confirmed that offer, stating: "McCormick regularly evaluates its portfolio and strategic options in pursuit of maximising shareholder value and consistent with its fiduciary duties and in consultation with its financial and legal advisors."

Neither company has disclosed financial details and cautioned that no agreement has been reached.