Unilever in takeover talks with McCormick for food business

FMCG major Unilever said on Friday it was in talks with U.S.-based McCormick & Company about disinvestment of its foods business, which includes renowned brands such as Hellmann's ‌mayonnaise ⁠and Knorr ⁠soups and seasonings.

The company confirmed that it ​has received an inbound offer for the business. However, there can be no certainty that a deal will be ​agreed, the two companies said ⁠in separate ‌statements.

If the divestment agreement comes in place, Unilever's popular brands like ⁠Coleman and Marmite will come under the same roof with Maryland-based McCormick's iconic Cholula ​hot sauce.


The business talks come months after the giant conglomerate spun-off its ice cream brand Magnum Ice Cream Company as it shifts focus ‌towards higher-return personal and beauty categories.

Unilever's food business contributed about a quarter ⁠of its total sales in FY25 at over 12.9 billion euros ($14.91 billion), while its personal care and beauty businesses accounted for over half of it.

Hindustan Unilever Ltd. on Friday issued a clarification saying HUL is not in any discussions regarding divestment of the foods portfolio.