Unilever to Sell 2 Food BrandsUnilever to Sell 2 Food Brands

Two of the oldest food brands owned by Unilever are being acquired by Zwanenberg Food Group. The Unox and Zwan brands have been part of the Unilever portfolio for almost 100 years, the Dutch Unox brand since 1937 and the Belgium Zwan brand since 1928.

Unilever says it is looking to sharpen its Foods portfolio for long-term growth and scalability, focusing on fewer and bigger brands, in categories such as cooking aids, mini meals, and condiments. The meat and soup products of Unox and Zwan require a distinct supply chain, sourcing model, and set of technological and R&D capabilities, making them less scalable within the broader Unilever Foods portfolio. Unox’s Noodles and Cup-a-Soup products fit with the mini meals category and will remain a part of the total Unilever Foods portfolio.

“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, said Heiko Schipper, president, Unilever Foods.

The deal includes the production of soup-in-pouch in the factory in Poznan. The acquisition is expected to be completed in 2025.

Related:Ferrero Group Acquires Protein Snack Company

Zwanenberg has production sites in the Netherlands, UK, and US. According to its website,
With 1,800 employeesZwanenberg is a leading European producers and exporters of meats, preserved meat, snacks, soups, sauces, vegetarian, and vegan products. Zwanenberg has production sites in the Netherlands, UK, and US and a sales office in Australia.

In March 2020, Zwanenberg Foods merged with Struik Foods Europe.