Unilever considering selling food business to McCormick

Unilever confirms it has received an offer from McCormick & Company to buy its food business.

McCormick also confirms it is engaged in discussions with Unilever regarding a potential strategic transaction involving Unilever’s food business.

In a statement, Unilever said, “The 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.”

Both companies also clarified that there’s no certainty they would reach a deal. McCormick has a smaller portfolio than Unilever. In recent years, Unilever has wanted to focus on its core businesses of beauty and personal care. As part of the overall change in focus, it spun off its ice cream company, which was completed in Dec. 2025.

Rumours have been swirling around about a potential sell off of its food business by Unilever.

On Tuesday, Bloomberg first reported that Unilever is considering selling its food assets. Later in the week, Financial Times (FT) disclosed that there were discussions between Unilever and Kraft Heinz about a potential merger of their food businesses. But the talks have since ended, FT clarified.

Readers may recall that in February Steve Cahillane, the new CEO of Kraft Heinz, paused a previously announced plan to split the company.

Source: www.foodincanada.com