- Dec 20, 2024
- 2 min read
Unilever is restructuring its Foods portfolio to focus on larger brands in cooking aids, mini meals and condiments.
As part of this, the company plans to sell its Unox and Zwan meat and soup products to Zwanenberg Food Group, which has submitted a binding offer for the acquisition. Both brands have been part of Unilever for almost a century.
The move comes as Unilever seeks to prioritise scalability, citing the distinct supply chain, sourcing models and set of technological and R&D capabilities required by these brands as 'less scalable' within the broader Foods portfolio'. However, Unox’s Noodles and Cup-a-Soup products, which align more closely with the mini meals category, will remain under Unilever’s ownership.
The deal also includes the production of soup-in-pouch at Unilever’s factory in Poznań, Poland.
Heiko Schipper, president of Unilever Foods, said: “Unox is a beloved and iconic brand in the Netherlands and the decision to part with it has not been easy... Zwan is a cherished brand in Belgium, associated with comfort and nostalgia and with quick and easy meals, making the brand a beloved part of everyday Belgium life."
"I am convinced that under Zwanenberg Food Group’s ownership, Unox and Zwan will be able to quickly adapt to trends and remain relevant in this competitive market.”
Sjoerd van der Laan, CEO of Zwanenberg Food Group, added: “The Unox and Zwan brands are a wonderful addition to our range. We are a broad food company with strong brands. After the acquisition of the Unilever factory in Oss in 2018, the acquisition of the Unox and Zwan brands is a great addition that fits in perfectly with our ambitions.”
The transaction remains subject to closing conditions, regulatory requirements and consultation processes, with completion expected in 2025.
Financial terms of the binding offer have not been disclosed.
