Unilever

Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods company that produces and markets a wide range of consumer products. The company was formed in 1929 through the merger of the British soap maker Lever Brothers and the Dutch margarine producer Margarine Unie. Unilever's headquarters are located in London, UK, and Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Unilever's products are distributed in over 190 countries, and the company is known for some of the most popular consumer brands in the world, including Dove, Axe, Lipton, Hellmann's, Knorr, and Ben & Jerry's. Unilever operates in three main categories: Foods & Refreshment, Home Care, and Beauty & Personal Care.

In the Foods & Refreshment category, Unilever produces and markets a wide range of food and beverage products, including ice cream, tea, coffee, and savoury products. In the Home Care category, Unilever produces and markets household cleaning products and laundry detergents. In the Beauty & Personal Care category, Unilever produces and markets a range of personal care products, including skin care, hair care, and deodorants.

Unilever is committed to sustainable business practices, and in 2010, the company launched the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, a comprehensive sustainability strategy that includes targets to reduce the company's environmental impact and improve the health and well-being of its customers. The plan includes targets to reduce the company's greenhouse gas emissions, reduce waste, and improve water management. The company is committed to sustainability and has made several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and to promote social and environmental responsibility. In 2020, Unilever had revenue of approximately €49.7 billion and employs over 155,000 people globally.

Unilever was formed by a merger of the operations of Dutch Margarine Unie and British soapmaker Lever Brothers. Lever Brothers had launched Vim, one of the first scouring powders, in 1904, and had introduced Sunlight Soap in the 1890s. The two Dutch firms merged to form Margarine Unie NV and Margarine Union Limited in 1927. Unilever was formed in 1929. During their first decades, the company achieved several significant milestones and events that helped to establish it as a global leader in the consumer goods industry.

Unilever expanded its operations to new markets in Asia, Africa, and South America in the 1930s, becoming a truly global company. It also introduced several new products during this time, including Lux soap, Lifebuoy soap, and Sunlight soap, which became popular around the world. Unilever was a pioneer in marketing during this time, using innovative advertising campaigns and sponsorships to promote its products, such as sponsoring popular radio programs and creating television commercials.

During World War II, Unilever faced significant challenges due to the disruption of global trade and the need to shift production to support the war effort. The company continued to operate in the occupied Netherlands during the war, and its factories were used by the Germans to produce goods for the war effort. After the war, Unilever worked to rebuild its operations and expand its reach.

In the 1950s, Unilever expanded its operations into new markets, particularly in Asia and Africa. The company established joint ventures and acquired local companies to gain a foothold in these regions, and also worked to develop new products and brands that were tailored to local markets. For example, in India, Unilever launched the brand "Dalda," a vegetable oil-based product that was more affordable and accessible than traditional cooking oils.

The company also developed new manufacturing processes during this time, including the creation of the first aerosol spray can for insecticides and the development of a new process for making margarine. In the 1950s, Unilever expanded into the ice cream market with the acquisition of Walls, a popular ice cream brand in the UK. It also introduced several new brands during this time, including Surf laundry detergent, Signal toothpaste, and Omo laundry detergent, which became popular in several markets. Throughout this period, Unilever was committed to social responsibility, investing in employee welfare, community development, and education programs in the markets where it operated. This commitment to social responsibility helped to establish the company's reputation as a responsible and ethical company.

Unilever also continued to innovate and develop new products during this time. In the 1950s, the company introduced "Rinso Blue," a laundry detergent that was marketed as a more effective and efficient alternative to traditional soap. Unilever also developed new brands, such as Dove soap, which was introduced in the 1950s and became a popular product for its moisturizing properties.

In the 1960s, Unilever continued to expand its operations and diversify its product lines. The company entered the food industry with the acquisition of Lipton Tea and Brooke Bond, and also expanded its personal care products with the acquisition of Helene Curtis Industries, a U.S.-based company that produced hair care products.

In the 1970s, Unilever expanded its operations further, acquiring companies such as National Starch and Chemical and Brooke Bond, which helped to diversify its product portfolio. It also continued to innovate in manufacturing processes, developing new techniques for freezing food and producing detergents.

During the 1980s, Unilever made a strategic decision to focus on its core business areas, divesting non-core businesses such as textiles and chemicals. It also introduced several new brands during this time, including Dove soap, which became a global success story.  Also during this decade, Unilever continued to expand its reach and diversify its product lines. The company acquired several food and beverage companies, including Chesebrough-Pond's, a U.S.-based company that produced products such as Vaseline and Ragu. Unilever also launched several new brands, including SlimFast, a weight loss program, and Impulse, a line of fragrances.

In the 1990s, Unilever continued to innovate in marketing and advertising, launching successful campaigns for brands such as Lynx, Lipton, and Knorr. It also continued to expand its operations, acquiring companies such as Calvin Klein Cosmetics and Bestfoods.

In the late 1990s, Unilever continued to expand its operations through acquisitions and joint ventures. The company acquired several food and beverage companies, including Bestfoods, a U.S.-based company that produced products such as Hellmann's mayonnaise and Knorr soups. Unilever also entered into joint ventures in emerging markets, such as China and India. In 1999, Unilever announced a major restructuring program that aimed to focus the company on its core consumer goods business and reduce costs. As part of the program, Unilever sold off non-core businesses, such as its speciality chemicals division.

In 2004, it launched the Unilever Foundation, which supports programs to improve hygiene, nutrition, and access to clean water in developing countries. Unilever made a commitment to sustainable business practices, launching its Sustainable Living Plan in 2010. This plan set out ambitious targets for reducing the company's environmental footprint and improving the livelihoods of millions of people in the markets where it operates. Unilever also continued to innovate in product development, launching brands such as Ben & Jerry's ice cream and TRESemmé hair care products.

In 2016, Unilever acquired Dollar Shave Club, a subscription-based razor and personal care products company, for $1 billion. This acquisition helped Unilever to expand its reach in the male grooming market and to tap into the growing trend of direct-to-consumer sales. In 2017, Unilever acquired the organic tea company, Pukka Herbs, to expand its presence in the natural and herbal tea market. Unilever also launched its Sustainable Living Brands initiative, which recognizes brands within its portfolio that have a strong sustainability agenda and are making a positive impact in the world.

By 2018, Unilever announced that it would be relocating its headquarters from London to Rotterdam, in a move that was seen as a simplification of the company's corporate structure. However, this decision was later reversed, and Unilever decided to keep its headquarters in London.

In 2020, Unilever announced that it would be rebranding its Fair & Lovely skin-lightening cream, following criticism that the product promoted negative stereotypes and contributed to colourism. The new branding, Glow & Lovely, aimed to promote a more inclusive message of beauty. 

The company is committed to improving the health and well-being of people and the planet, through its portfolio of well-known and trusted brands. Unilever's aim is to create long-term value for its stakeholders by delivering growth and contributing to society while reducing its environmental impact.

Unilever's mission is to “make sustainable living commonplace”.

Unilever's vision is to be the global leader in sustainable business, demonstrating how their purpose-led, future-fit business can grow. Unilever's corporate values include providing customers with sustainable living options through consumer goods.

Vision: “Double the size of the business, while reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our positive social impact.” 

Unilever is organised into three main divisions: Foods and Refreshments, Home Care, and Beauty & Personal Care. It has research and development facilities in China, India, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Unilever's largest brands include Lifebuoy, Dove, Sunsilk, Knorr, Lux, Sunlight, Rexona/Degree, Axe/Lynx, Ben & Jerry's, Omo/Persil, Heartbrand (Wall's) ice creams, Hellmann's and Magnum.

Unilever handles 400 brands around the world.