Unilever announced today that it has received a binding offer from Zwanenberg Food Group to acquire the Unox and Zwan brands. Both of these iconic brands have been part of the Unilever portfolio for nearly 100 years, with the Dutch Unox brand established in 1937 and the Belgian Zwan brand in 1928

Unilever aims to refine its Foods portfolio to drive long-term growth and scalability by focusing on fewer, larger brands in categories like cooking aids, mini meals, and condiments. The meat and soup products of Unox and Zwan require specialized supply chains, sourcing models, and unique R&D capabilities, making them less scalable within Unilever's broader Foods portfolio. However, Unox's Noodles and Cup-a-Soup products align well with the mini meals category and will remain part of Unilever's Foods portfolio.

Heiko Schipper, President of Unilever Foods, stated:
“Unox is a beloved and iconic brand in the Netherlands, and the decision to part with it has not been easy. Its association with Dutch winter traditions, such as the New Year's Dive in Scheveningen and ice-skating events, along with its iconic orange hat branding and award-winning advertising campaigns, have solidified its place in Dutch culture.

“Zwan is equally cherished in Belgium, symbolizing comfort, nostalgia, and quick, easy meals that are a staple of everyday life. I am confident that under Zwanenberg Food Group’s ownership, Unox and Zwan will adapt to evolving trends and remain competitive in the market.”

Sjoerd van der Laan, CEO of Zwanenberg Food Group, commented:
“The Unox and Zwan brands are an excellent addition to our portfolio. As a broad food company with strong brands, this acquisition aligns perfectly with our ambitions. Following our acquisition of the Unilever factory in Oss in 2018, adding the Unox and Zwan brands further strengthens our offering.”

The deal includes the production of soup-in-pouch products at Unilever's Poznan factory.

The binding offer is subject to standard closing conditions, regulatory approvals, and consultation processes. The financial details remain undisclosed, and the deal is expected to close by 2025.