Unilever is rapidly expanding its vegan product offerings across its major brands. Highlights include Ben & Jerry’s diverse range of non-dairy ice creams, The Vegetarian Butcher’s innovative plant-based meats, Hellmann’s vegan mayo varieties, and Magnum and Wall’s vegan ice cream options. This strategic move aligns with Unilever’s commitment to sustainability and meeting the growing consumer demand for plant-based products.
Unilever, a global leader in consumer goods with a rich history dating back to the 1930s, has significantly expanded its product range from its origins in margarine and soap. Now valued at over $140 billion, Unilever offers an extensive portfolio that includes beauty products, household goods, and a growing range of plant-based foods. As plant-based diets gain popularity, Unilever is enhancing its vegan product offerings to meet this increasing demand. This article delves into Unilever’s commitment to plant-based foods, highlighting its key vegan brands and products.
Unilever: A Brief Overview
Unilever was formed in 1930 from the merger of Margarine Unie and Lever Brothers. Margarine Unie was a Dutch company specialising in margarine, while Lever Brothers focused on soap production. This merger led to the creation of Unilever, which has since evolved into one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. Headquartered in the UK, Unilever manages over 400 brands, including well-known names such as Dove, Knorr, Ben & Jerry’s, and Magnum. Its products are used by over 3.4 billion people in more than 190 countries, making it a major player in the global market.
Unilever’s Vegan Growth and Partnerships
Unilever has increasingly focused on sustainability and plant-based products in recent years. The company aims to achieve €1.5 billion in annual sales from plant-based meats and dairy products by 2025. In 2023, Unilever reported €1.2 billion in sales from plant-based food products, indicating significant progress toward this goal.
Key strategies for expanding its vegan product range include:
- Enhancing Existing Brands: Unilever is expanding plant-based offerings within its existing brands, such as Hellmann’s and Ben & Jerry’s.
- Strategic Acquisitions: The acquisition of The Vegetarian Butcher in 2018 has bolstered Unilever’s plant-based meat options. This Dutch brand is now a significant part of Unilever’s vegan portfolio.
- Sustainability Goals: Unilever has committed to becoming a leader in sustainable business practices, with a focus on reducing environmental impact through plant-based product development.
Current Vegan Offerings at Unilever
Unilever’s commitment to plant-based products is reflected in its diverse range of vegan offerings:
- Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Ice Cream
Ben & Jerry’s features an extensive non-dairy ice cream range made from almond milk, sunflower butter, and oat milk. In 2024, Unilever announced plans to spin off its ice cream brands, including Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum, and Wall’s, by the end of 2025. However, Ben & Jerry’s continues to offer popular vegan flavours such as Non-Dairy Americone Dream, Vegan Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Vegan Cookie Dough.
- The Vegetarian Butcher’s Vegan Meat
Acquired by Unilever in 2018, The Vegetarian Butcher offers a variety of vegan meat products available in over 45 countries. Notable items include What The Cluck soy-based chicken-style pieces, Chickened Out Burgers, and vegan hotdogs. The brand’s products are featured in fast-food chains like Burger King, Domino’s, and Starbucks UK, highlighting their widespread availability and popularity.
- Hellmann’s Vegan Mayonnaise
Hellmann’s offers a range of vegan mayonnaise options, including Vegan Dressing & Spread in the US and Vegan Mayo, Vegan Chipotle Mayo, and Vegan Garlic Mayo in the UK. These products cater to a growing number of consumers seeking plant-based condiment alternatives.
- Magnum Vegan Ice Cream
Magnum’s vegan ice cream range includes popular flavours such as Vegan Sea Salt Caramel, Vegan Classic, and Vegan Almond. Magnum is one of Unilever’s top-selling ice cream brands, and its vegan options provide a plant-based alternative to traditional ice cream.
- Wall’s Vegan Cornetto
Wall’s offers a vegan version of its classic Cornetto, featuring soy-based ice cream in a crispy wafer cone with a chocolate bottom. This product reflects Unilever’s commitment to providing plant-based versions of beloved frozen treats.
Innovations and Future Directions
Unilever is continuously innovating to expand its plant-based product offerings. Recent developments include:
- Product Innovations: Unilever is exploring new plant-based formulations and flavours to meet evolving consumer preferences. The company’s investment in research and development supports the creation of novel plant-based products.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Unilever’s focus on sustainability extends beyond product development to include efforts in reducing packaging waste and improving the environmental footprint of its operations.
Unilever’s dedication to expanding its vegan product range highlights its response to the growing demand for plant-based options. Through strategic acquisitions, brand enhancements, and sustainability initiatives, Unilever is positioning itself as a leader in the plant-based food industry. With a robust portfolio of vegan products, Unilever continues to cater to diverse dietary preferences while supporting its broader sustainability goals.
