Unilever PLC, trading as NYSE:UL via American Depositary Receipts, is a global consumer goods company founded in 1929 through the merger of the Dutch Margarine Unie and the British Lever Brothers. Headquartered in London and Rotterdam, the company has grown over nearly a century into one of the world’s leading producers of household and personal care products. Its portfolio encompasses a broad array of well-known brands, ranging from personal care staples like Dove, Axe (Lynx in some markets), and Rexona to food and beverage names such as Knorr, Hellmann’s, Lipton, and Ben & Jerry’s.
Unilever’s main business activities are organized around three core divisions: Beauty & Personal Care, Foods & Refreshment, and Home Care. In Beauty & Personal Care, the company offers skin and hair care, deodorants, and oral care products. The Foods & Refreshment segment includes spreads, dressings, teas, ice cream, and other packaged foods. Unilever’s Home Care arm provides laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and surface cleaners. This diversified model allows the company to leverage its global supply chain and research capabilities to develop products tailored to different consumer preferences and price points.
The company serves consumers in over 190 countries, with significant operations in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Unilever maintains a network of manufacturing facilities, research centers, and distribution hubs worldwide, enabling it to source ingredients locally and adapt to regional tastes and regulatory requirements. Over the years, the firm has pursued strategic acquisitions and divestitures to refine its brand portfolio and streamline operations, while also investing in sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting social responsibility throughout its value chain.
Leadership at Unilever is focused on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Since July 2023, Hein Schumacher has served as Chief Executive Officer, bringing extensive experience from the consumer goods industry and a commitment to digital transformation and environmental stewardship. Under his guidance, the company continues to execute its purpose-led strategy, balancing long-term value creation with efforts to address global challenges such as climate change, plastic waste, and equitable economic opportunities for communities where it operates.
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