Unilever updates

Unilever PLC initiates offer to increase stake in Hindustan Unilever

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:19:00 GMT

London/Mumbai, 30th April 2013. Unilever PLC (LSE: ULVR) today announced a voluntary open offer to increase its stake in Hindustan Unilever (HUL), its publicly listed subsidiary in India, from 52.48% to up to 75% at a price of INR 600 per share.

Paul Polman, CEO Unilever, said: “This represents a further step in Unilever’s strategy to invest in emerging markets and offers a liquidity opportunity at what we believe to be an attractive premium for existing shareholders. The long heritage and great brands of Hindustan Unilever, and the significant growth potential of a country with 1.3 billion people makes India a strategic long term priority for the business.”

The offer, which is made pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, is to acquire up to 487,004,772 shares, representing 22.52% of the total outstanding shares of HUL, which would increase Unilever’s stake to up to 75%. Securities regulations in India require a minimum public shareholding of 25% for a company to maintain a public listing in the country.

The offer, payable in cash, represents a premium of approximately 29.5% over the mandatory floor price required under Indian regulations, a premium of 26.0% to HUL’s last one month’s average trading share price and 25.0% to the last one week’s average trading price on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited. The potential total value of the transaction at the offer price (assuming full acceptances) is approximately INR 292.2 billion or €4.1 billion.

Subject to regulatory clearance, the offer period is expected to begin in June 2013. Payment for the shares will take place shortly after close of the offer. HUL’s shares are traded on the BSE Ltd (Scrip Code: 500696) and on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (Symbol: HINDUNILVR).

The details of the offer can be found in the public announcement which will shortly be available at www.sebi.gov.in, www.bseindia.com, and www.nseindia.com and the detailed public statement and letter of offer which will be filed in connection with the offer with the relevant stock exchanges and the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

The Offer is being managed by HSBC Securities and Capital Markets (India) Private Limited.

About Hindustan Unilever

Hindustan Unilever is a market leader in the fast moving consumer goods business in India, with brands spanning categories such as soaps, detergents, shampoos, skin care, toothpastes, deodorants, cosmetics, tea, coffee, packaged foods, ice cream, and water purifiers. Its portfolio includes the following brands: Lux, Lifebuoy, Surf Excel, Rin, Wheel, Fair & Lovely, Pond’s, Vaseline, Lakmé, Dove, Clinic Plus, Sunsilk, Pepsodent, Closeup, Axe, Brooke Bond, Bru, Knorr, Kissan, Kwality Wall’s and Pureit.

Hindustan Unilever generated over INR 270 billion turnover (or €3.8 billion) and net profit of over INR 38 billion (or €0.5 billion) for the financial year ending 31 March 2013.

Accounting Information

Unilever will continue to consolidate 100% of the results and net assets of HUL, but the net profits attributable to non-controlling interests and the share of equity of the non-controlling interests will both be lower after the transaction.

Currencies

The Indian Rupee equivalent quoted in each case for Euro is calculated based on the reference rate of INR 70.903 per € as on the date of this announcement (Source: Reserve Bank of India - http://www.rbi.org.in).

Unilever PLC Enquiries
Investor Relations - +44 20 7822 6830
Media – Lucila Zambrano +44 20 7822 5354 / lucila.zambrano@unilever.com

About Unilever

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries. Our products are present in 7 out of 10 homes globally and are used by over 2 billion people on a daily basis. We work with 173,000 colleagues around the world and generated annual sales of over €50 billion in 2012. Over half of our company’s footprint is in the faster growing developing and emerging markets (55% in 2012). Working to create a better future every day, we help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Our portfolio includes some of the world’s best known brands such as Knorr, Persil / Omo, Dove, Sunsilk, Hellmann’s, Lipton, Rexona / Sure, Wall’s, Lux, Rama, Ponds and Axe, 14 of which now generate a turnover of €1 billion or more.

Our ambition is to double the size of our business, whilst reducing our overall environmental footprint (including sourcing, consumer use and disposal) and increasing our positive social impact. We are committed to helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, sourcing all our agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020, and decoupling our growth from our environmental impact. Supporting our three big goals are more than 50 time-based targets. See more on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan at www.Unilever.com/sustainable-living/.

Unilever has been recognised in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indexes for 14 consecutive years. We are included in the FTSE4Good Index Series and attained a top environmental score of 5, leading to inclusion in the FTSE4Good Environmental Leaders Europe 40 Index. In 2012 Unilever led the Climate Counts Company Scorecard and the list of Global Corporate Sustainability Leaders in the GlobeScan /SustainAbility latest annual survey (2012) - both for the second year running. The company is an employer of choice in many of the countries in which it operates and is seen as a symbol for innovation and leadership development. For more information about Unilever and its brands, please visit www.Unilever.com.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the Unilever States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘will’, ‘aim’, ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘looks’, ‘believes’, ‘vision’, or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance.

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which cause actual results to differ materially are: Unilever’s global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever’s investment choices in its portfolio management; inability to find sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and natural disasters; the debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; and managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2012 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2012. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever growth momentum continues in first quarter 2013

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:10:00 GMT

25/04/2013: Today (25 April), we released our results for the first quarter 2013. We maintained good growth momentum in the quarter despite challenging economies and the tough competitive environment.

First quarter highlights

Underlying sales growth 4.9% with emerging markets up 10.4%
Underlying volume growth 2.2%; pricing up 2.6%
Turnover increased 0.2% to €12.2 billion including a negative currency impact of (3.5)%
Disposals reduced turnover by (1.1)% reflecting the disposal of Skippy and the US Frozen Food business
Quarterly dividend up 10.7% to €0.2690

Growth remained solid in emerging markets despite the continuing macro-economic headwinds, whilst developed markets remained sluggish. In this context we delivered another quarter of good growth led by emerging markets which grew by 10.4% with a good balance between volume and price. Developed markets declined in the quarter against a high prior year comparator.

Commenting on the results, CEO Paul Polman said: “This performance is further evidence that Unilever is becoming fit to win and capable of delivering consistent growth ahead of our markets. Our strategy is working.

“The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan is becoming embedded across the business and increasingly driving our day-to-day decisions and actions, helping to drive increased sales whilst reducing costs and risks. Brands like Lifebuoy, Dove, Domestos, Knorr and Signal that have made sustainability central to their brand proposition continue to perform well.”

Personal Care

Growth in hair care was underpinned by a strong innovation programme and the continued introduction of our brands into new markets. For Dove, the successful Dove Damage Therapy range, the extension of the Dove Men+Care hair range and the launch of Dove hair products in Mexico continued to drive growth. TRESemmé continued to make excellent progress, building on last year’s success in Brazil, and we saw a good early response to the launches in India and Indonesia. Clear continued to make good progress in the highly competitive US market and delivered strong growth in the emerging markets. Toni&Guy is now present in 17 countries and we have successfully launched the Nexxus Youth Renewal range in the United States.

Skin cleansing and care enjoyed good growth driven by innovation across the brands and geographies. Lifebuoy benefited from market development activities to encourage hand washing. Lifebuoy clini-care 10, which offers improved germ protection and skin care, was extended to Indonesia, Ghana and Kenya. Dove performance reflected the continuing success of Dove Nutrium Moisture shower gels and the growth of Dove Men+Care, including the launch of a range of male face products in Europe and North America. Innovations under the Vaseline brand included the Spray & Go moisturizer in North America and a new range of facial washes in South East Asia. In face care, activities include the launch of Pond’s Flawless White BB+ and the extension of Axe to male face care in North America.

Deodorants started the year particularly strongly, powered by the success of the Axe Apollo launch which has been supported by both traditional and digital media in 60 countries and 45 languages. Rexona is making good progress assisted by the ‘Do: More’ campaign which integrates the new Lotus F1 Team variant. Dove remains a key growth driver through the success of Dove Men+Care deodorants and the Dove Maximum Protection range. Despite heightened competition we saw better growth in oral care driven by our strong programme of product innovation. Signal Expert Protection continues to make excellent progress. Close-Up 3 times fresher breath has been rolled out to more than 40 markets and White Now Triple Gold has been launched in China and Europe.

Foods

In Foods we continue to position our business for long term growth by enhancing the nutritional value of our products and seeking to improve food security, whilst at the same time strengthening the portfolio through the accelerated divestment of non-core food brands such as Skippy. Savoury and dressings continued to grow in the first quarter, underpinned by innovations such as Knorr jelly bouillon variants, now in more than 35 markets, and baking bags, now in more than 40 markets. In dressings, Hellmann’s growth was driven by market development activities encouraging new uses of mayonnaise and the launch in Europe of a superior squeeze pack. Hellmann’s celebrates its 100th birthday in the United States this year with activities to strengthen the brand’s ‘real mayonnaise’ credentials.

Spreads declined, driven by lower volumes in a tough promotional environment. Market dynamics are not currently in our favour with consumers switching to alternatives. Despite the success of recent innovations such as Flora Buttery and liquid margarines, which have now been launched in Turkey under the Becel brand, we have more to do to communicate the improved taste and health benefits of our margarines to consumers.

Home Care

Laundry delivered broad-based growth ahead of our markets despite intense competition. This performance reflected our strong innovation programme, including the introduction of improved Brilhante in Brazil, offering superior cleaning and whiteness, the new Surf super-sensorials range and the Philippines launch of Breeze in the ‘Dirt is Good’ position. Fabric conditioners made a good contribution to the growth, helped by the launch of Comfort anti-bacterial in Thailand and the success of the super-sensorial range.

Household care started the year well, growing ahead of the market with strong performances from our dishwash brands in Asia and Europe. The household cleaners brands benefitted from impactful innovations such as the introduction of the Cif easy lift technology for streak-free shine, the launch of Domestos toilet blocks in Turkey and Domestos toilet strips in Central Europe. Both Cif and Domestos were launched in Brazil during the quarter.

Refreshment

Ice cream was up slightly despite a high prior year comparator and the extremely cold weather conditions which prevailed in much of Europe. Magnum, now a €1 billion brand, continued to make good progress supported by the rollout of Magnum Gold?! to the United States, the rollout of the ‘5 kisses’ limited editions and the new pint format in Europe, and the launch of Magnum Pink and Magnum Black in Mexico and Turkey. Cornetto was relaunched in Europe, Mexico and South East Asia and we introduced a new Cornetto mini variant in Europe whilst Fruttare was launched in the United States.

The turnaround in tea which began last year continued with mid-single digit growth in the first quarter. Improved product quality, stronger mixes and improved in-market execution drove this performance. Lipton Yellow Label again drove growth in Russia, benefiting from patented technology to re-incorporate tea essence and deliver improved taste. This innovation was rolled out to Pakistan and the Middle East during the quarter. The Brooke Bond range of brands performed well in India and PG Tips in the UK grew in a strongly promotional market.

Go to the Investor Centre to read the full first quarter 2013 Trading Statement. Download the Unilever Investor Relations iPhone and iPad app for further information. Find out more on Unilever in the About Us and Brands in Action sections of this website.

Safe Harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever’s Q1 2013 results released today

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:06:00 GMT

Unilever today announced results for the first quarter 2013.

Full details can be found on Unilever.com/investorrelations.

Unilever Sustainable Living Plan helping to drive growth

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

London/ Rotterdam, 22 April 2013 - Unilever’s commitment to put sustainable and equitable growth at the heart of its business model is helping to drive increased sales while reducing costs and risks, according to the second Unilever Sustainable Living Plan Progress Report published today.

Brands that have made sustainability central to their brand proposition or product innovation have accelerated sales during 2012:

Lifebuoy soap, which has increased its handwashing education programmes, has seen double digit growth in each of the last three years;
Dry shampoos such as TRESemmé and Dove, which result in 90% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to washing hair in heated water, grew by nearly 20% in 2012; and
Calorie-controlled Max and Paddle Pop children’s ice creams grew high double digit in 2012.

Unilever is also accelerating the integration of sustainability into the heart of many of its biggest brands. For example Dove, its largest personal care brand with sales of over €3 billion, redesigned its self esteem programme for young people in 2012 to further strengthen its engagement with consumers by helping them look and feel their best. Another example comes from Unilever’s biggest brand, Knorr, which launched its first product with a ‘sustainably grown’ label on pack, with more to come.

At the same time, eco-efficiencies in Unilever factories from reducing energy, water, materials and waste have enabled the company to take over €300 million out of the system since 2008. The company has also reduced risk at a time of volatility in food commodity prices by increasing its purchases of agricultural raw materials from sustainable sources from 14% in 2010 to 36% in 2012.

Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever: “Sustainability is contributing to our virtuous circle of growth. The more our products meet social needs and help people live sustainably, the more popular our brands become and the more we grow. And the more efficient we are at managing resources such as energy and raw materials, the more we lower our costs and reduce the risks to our business and the more we are able to invest in sustainable innovation and brands.”

Unilever Sustainable Living Plan 2^nd Year Progress

In 2010 Unilever set three big goals, all to be achieved by 2020:

1) Help more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being;
2) Source 100% of agricultural raw materials sustainably;
3) Halve the environmental footprint of its products across the value chain.

Two years in to its ten-year Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, Unilever reports solid progress on two of its three big goals.

Help more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being

The company has reached 224 million people with programmes to reduce diarrhoeal disease through handwashing with soap, provide safe drinking water, promote oral health and improve young people’s self-esteem. Lifebuoy soap reached 71 million people in 16 countries in 2012 – five times as many people as in 2010.

Source 100% of agricultural raw materials sustainably

Unilever now buys over a third (36%) of its agricultural raw materials from sustainable sources, with particular progress in palm oil, sugar, cocoa, vegetables and sunflower oil. We have also now helped to train 450,000 tea farmers in sustainable practices, of whom over 300,000 have achieved Rainforest Alliance certification.

Halve the environmental footprint of its products across the value chain

Unilever is making good progress in areas it can control. Between 2008-2012 greenhouse gas emissions from energy in manufacturing have been cut by nearly a third and manufacturing waste has halved. Over half of Unilever's 252 manufacturing sites around the world now send zero non-hazardous waste to landfill, and the company has set itself a new target of extending this to all its factories by 2015. However, its own manufacturing impacts account for only a small part of the total environmental footprint of Unilever’s products in the total value chain – just 4% of its greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint for example. The majority of Unilever’s product footprint is in the sourcing of raw materials (25% of its GHG footprint) and in the way consumers cook, clean and wash with the products (68% of its GHG footprint). One of our biggest challenges remains how we encourage our consumers to use our products more sustainably at home.

Looking ahead

Although there is considerable progress, the company also faces challenges which it cannot solve alone. To reach its goals and achieve large scale change, Unilever believes even more collaboration is needed between companies, governments, NGOs and consumers. Among the areas where the company would welcome more cross-sector collaboration are: reducing and eliminating deforestation associated with soy, palm oil, beef, pulp and paper by 2020; integrating hygiene behaviour change into national health policies and education curricula; linking more smallholder farmers into food supply chains; and building infrastructure to promote waste recycling and recovery.

Helping consumers change their behaviour to live more sustainably is also key. In the absence of major framework changes by governments, the company is tackling this in a number of ways, from driving habit change through packaging solutions, such as single dose laundry detergent capsules which make it easier for consumers to dose accurately, to working with others such as retailers and civil society organisations to encourage shoppers to make sustainable choices at the supermarket and in the home. In addition, Unilever is leveraging its scale and reach to work with its many suppliers across the value chain to instil sustainable practices.

Paul Polman said: “The world continues to face big challenges. The lack of access of many to food, nutrition, basic hygiene and sanitation, clean drinking water or a decent job should be a concern to all of us. We firmly believe business has a big role to play in striving for more equitable and sustainable growth, but large-scale change will only come about if there is real collaboration between companies, governments and NGOs across all these areas.”

ENDS

More information please contact:

Unilever
Flip Dötsch
Flip.Dotsch@unilever.com
+31 (0) 10 217 3715
+31 (0) 6 11375464

Safe harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever factories and logistics reduce CO2 by 1 million tonnes

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

London/ Rotterdam, 15 April 2013 - Unilever today announced that since 2008 the company has achieved a CO2 reduction of more than one million tonnes from its manufacturing and logistics operations. This is equivalent to taking 250,000 cars off the road.

This milestone was achieved while growing sales by 26% from €40.5 billion in 2008 to €51.3 billion in 2012. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a key target within the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, the second-year progress on which will be published on 22 April.

John Maguire, Unilever’s Group Manufacturing Sustainability Director said: “CO2 emissions and climate change continue to present businesses with significant challenges. But, they also offer opportunities. Our primary focus is to reduce overall energy use by improving the eco-efficiency of everything we do in our factories, offices and other operations. We leverage our global scale by selecting ideas that have the best financial and eco-efficiency payback and then implement them globally. We are also committed to ensuring as much as possible of the energy we use comes from sustainable sources, for example 100% of the electrical energy we buy in Europe and North America comes from renewable sources.”

“Eco-efficiency isn’t just about reducing the environmental footprint it also makes good business sense. Since 2008 our eco-efficiency programmes have avoided more than €300 million of costs. Almost €100 million in energy; €186 million in materials; €17 million in water; and €10 million in waste disposal. The benefits are very clear in a world where energy prices are increasing”, Maguire adds.

Game changers

The one million tonnes CO2 reduction is a combination of 838,000 tonnes CO2 achieved from improvements in manufacturing activities and 211,000 tonnes CO2 reduction from making global logistics operations more efficient. Unilever is continuously improving eco-efficiency in manufacturing and logistics. Below some examples of game changers in 2012:

Cost efficient renewable energy from biomass boilers have the double benefit of reducing bio-waste and helping the company to reach its 40% renewable energy target. Unilever now has 30 biomass boilers globally supplying more than 7% of our renewable energy, with six more planned for this year in Latin America, Africa and Asia;
Combined Heat and Power plant (CHP) is another technology that not only helps Unilever to save money through reduced energy costs, but also to achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions. In Europe, using CHP has helped to reduce CO2 by 50,000 tonnes and save €10 million. In 2013, Unilever is planning to install CHP units in Mexico and South Africa;
Unilever is also maximising transport efficiencies through the creation of the UltraLogistik control tower in Katowice (Poland). The control tower model enables more efficient coordination of thousands of transport movements across road, rail, sea and air of Unilever products reducing CO2 and improving customer service. Last but not least it also saved the company €50 million in costs since 2008. As part of the UltraLogistik transport network Unilever is creating regional distribution hubs. These will improve operational efficiency and reduce distance travelled by 175 million km in Europe alone. This benefit was a key factor for Unilever being awarded a Marco Polo grant of €5.7million to invest and develop sustainable transport of goods across Europe. The UltraLogistik model is now being rolled out globally.

This announcement follows the progress in sustainable sourcing with now over 1/3 of all agricultural raw materials being sourced sustainably. In January, Unilever announced that 133 of Unilever’s manufacturing sites achieved zero non-hazardous waste to landfill by end 2012.

ENDS

More information, or if you wish to receive the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan progress report on 22 April, please contact:

Unilever
Flip Dötsch
Flip.Dotsch@unilever.com
+31 (0) 10 217 3715
+31 (0) 6 11375464

Safe harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Annual General Meetings (re-)elections and Board Committee Memberships

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:56:26 GMT

Unilever today announced that the following Directors will offer themselves for re-election at the Annual General Meetings on 15 May 2013: Louise Fresco, Ann Fudge, Charles Golden, Byron Grote, Jean-Marc Huët, Hixonia Nyasulu, Paul Polman, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Kees Storm, Michael Treschow and Paul Walsh. Sunil Bharti Mittal will not offer himself for re-election at the Annual General Meetings this year.

Michael Treschow, Chairman of Unilever, said: “I would like to thank Sunil for his contribution as a Non-Executive Director over the last two years. Amongst other things he has brought to Unilever valuable business building experience in developing markets. We understand his decision to leave the Board to concentrate his time more on his responsibilities outside Unilever. He will leave with the good wishes of us all.”

Unilever announced on 5 and 17 December 2012 that it will be proposing that Laura Cha, Mary Ma and John Rishton join the Board as new Non-Executive Directors at the Annual General Meetings on 15 May 2013.

If (re-)elected as Directors at the 2013 Annual General Meetings, the composition of the Board Committees will be as follows:

Audit Committee	Compensation & Management Resources Committee	Corporate Responsibility Committee	Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee
Byron Grote (Chair)	Paul Walsh (Chair)	Louise Fresco (Chair)	Kees Storm (Chair)
Mary Ma	Ann Fudge	Laura Cha	Sir Malcolm Rifkind
Hixonia Nyasulu	Kees Storm	Charles Golden	Michael Treschow
John Rishton	Michael Treschow

6 March 2013

ENDS

Safe harbour:

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever Czech Republic acquires SAVO brand

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:14:00 GMT

Prague, April 8, 2013 – Unilever Czech Republic and the Bochemie company announced today that they have signed an agreement under which Unilever will acquire the SAVO and other consumer brands from Bochemie.

The transaction includes transfer of the related trademarks, other intellectual property and a small number of employees. The acquired brands will continue to be manufactured under contact by Bochemie at their Bohumín facility. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval by the relevant competition authorities.

As Unilever aims to double its business whilst reducing environmental impact, it is continuously looking for growth opportunities and to further build its portfolio. Currently the SAVO brand includes a whole range of household cleaning products and disinfectants, so this acquisition will widen Unilever’s product portfolio in order to serve all consumers with their specific needs.

Unilever will buy SAVO, Biolit, Diffusil and other brands by acquisition of 100% of shares of Bochemie’s subsidiary HomeBrands, a.s. The transaction does not concern Bochemies activities relating to specialty chemicals, which will continue without changes. Bochemie will also continue manufacturing SAVO products in its Bohumín facility based on a contract manufacturing agreement.

"Unilever is constantly investing in building its brands and looking for new market opportunities. This is a valuable acquisition for us, having well known brands and a well-established position in the market. These brands will benefit from Unilever’s marketing strengths and resources," said Florin Trandafirescu, General Manager Unilever Czech and Slovak Republic.

"We view the transaction as recognition of the long term successful work of Bochemie employees in building strong local brands. We are convinced that Unilever will build on those efforts and further expand the brands it is buying from us both locally and internationally," commented Bochemie CEO Miloslav Vodička. "Bochemie will now focus on further development of its specialty chemical business," he added.

All acquired brands will continue to be available on the Czech and Slovak market as well as in Hungary, Romania, and other Central and Eastern European markets.

About SAVO brand

SAVO brand was introduced to the market of former Czechoslovakia as early as in 1973. Currently the brand includes a whole range of household cleaning products and disinfectants. It consists of branded products both on the hypochlorite basis being used by households for general disinfection purposes and mildew removal, as well as hypochlorite free specialised cleaning products for kitchen, bathroom and other specific needs.

About Bochemie Group

Bochemie Group is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of branded household care products in Central Europe. Its key brands include SAVO, Biolit and Diffusil, which all enjoys a strong market position particularly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The Group is also a global supplier of high value added specialty chemicals, including disinfectants, wood protection fungicides, metal surface treatment chemicals and accumulator masses.

The Group and its parent company Bochemie, a.s. have been headquartered in Bohumín, Czech Republic, where it employs over 450 people. The Group further includes EVM, the Hungarian manufacturer of branded household care products and subsidiaries in Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Russia. The Group’s total number of employees is almost 600.

The Group is owned by the private equity firms Benson Oak Capital and Arx Equity Partners.

ENDS

Safe harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever Lifebuoy premieres unique film to launch pioneering health campaign

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:18:00 GMT

London, Rotterdam, 27 February 2013 – Unilever’s health soap, Lifebuoy, has launched the latest initiative in its quest to help reduce the deaths of two million children before their fifth birthday from preventable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia.

Over the past 10 years, Lifebuoy has taken its handwashing behaviour change programmes to millions of people across the world, and now it is aiming to change the handwashing behaviour of a whole village in central India – Thesgora, a village with one of the highest rates of diarrhoea. This initiative supports Unilever’s goal to deliver on one of its commitment under its Sustainable Living Plan – to help more than one billion people take action to improve their health and well-being.

The launch of the campaign is being marked with a groundbreaking new three-minute film that provides a unique perspective on the individual tragedy of losing a child before their 5th birthday, and encourages people around the world to pledge their support: www.youtube.com/helpachildreach5

Unilever CEO Paul Polman said:”The big issues the world is facing require new approaches and new partnerships. It is unacceptable that two million children die every year from infectious diseases when we have easy and cheap lifesaving solutions, such as handwashing with soap, readily available. Responsible businesses must take a more active leadership role and this new initiative is an example of how Unilever is assuming such a role through one of its iconic brands. Lifebuoy is living proof that putting a social mission at the heart of a brand can both deliver on the mission itself and deliver sustainable growth.”

Samir Singh, Global Brand VP, Lifebuoy, “Our goal is to change the handwashing behaviours of a billion people by 2015. We wanted to tell the world the Lifebuoy story in a deeply emotional way. Our brief was to translate the statistic of ‘two million children still die in the world before the age of five due to preventable infections like diarrhoea and pneumonia’ into something real, personal and powerful. And through this film, that’s just what’s been done.”

Lifebuoy’s programme in Thesgora will target school children, new mothers, neo-natal nurses and community groups, encouraging the practice of handwashing with soap at key occasions: before eating, after using the toilet and when washing. The programme aims to have a significant impact on the health of the community and consequently the futures of the children in the village, resulting in more children reaching their fifth birthday.

This intervention also aims to contribute to Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG 4) - to reduce the mortality of children under five by two-thirds by 2015. Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective and low cost ways to prevent diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea, which stop 2.1 million children every year reaching their fifth birthday[i]. Put simply, this modest but lifesaving act could help a lot more children reach the age of five.

ENDS

Safe harbour:

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

World Toilet Day

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 12:33:53 GMT

16/11/2012 - Unilever is breaking the ‘toilet taboo’ with a giant interactive statue of a man squatting in the centre of London to mark World Toilet Day on 19 November.

Public Toilet

Commissioned by Domestos and the World Toilet Organization, the Public Toilet is a 4.5 metre tall sculpture made from ceramic and stainless steel with a digital screen covering its face.

Consumers from around the world can show their support for the 1 billion people who cannot go to the toilet in private by uploading a photo or five-second video of their face via www.thepublictoilet.com which will be screened on to the sculpture.

Each upload will help to raise awareness of this global sanitation crisis and highlight the health and psychological consequences for the billions of people living with poor toilet facilities.

Jean-Laurent Ingles, VP, Global Brands, says: “Domestos is committed to help make World Toilet Day an institution. By improving toilet facilities in developing countries we can improve the health and livelihoods of millions of people while also cutting the number of schooldays lost to sickness and reducing the risks for women forced to relieve themselves in public.

"This World Toilet Day, we want to see as many different faces as possible on the Public Toilet statue to support the 1 billion people who can’t go in private."

Why get involved?

Around two-fifths of the world’s population do not have access to clean toilet facilities, including more than 280 million children under the age of five.

With a gram of faeces potentially containing up to 10 million viruses and 1 million bacteria, poor sanitation in developing countries is one of the biggest causes of death from preventable illnesses such as diarrhoea. More than 2.25 million people, including 1.1 million children under the age of five, die each year from diarrhoeal diseases.

However, if faeces are disposed of properly in clean toilet facilities, cases of diarrhoea are reduced by almost a third.

Furthermore, improving toilet facilities does more than make people healthier – it can also have a significant impact on the economy of developing countries. Research from the UN and WHO found that every $1 invested in sanitation gives a return of up to $34 by aiding productivity.

Unilever is supporting World Toilet Day as part of its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of 1 billion people by 2020 through the Sustainable Living Plan.

Find out more about World Toilet Day at www.thepublictoilet.com.

Unilever investing in fast-growing emerging markets

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Unilever’s first aerosol manufacturing plant in Asia follows hard on the heels of new factories announced for Thailand and South Africa.

London/Rotterdam/Mumbai 18 February 2013: Unilever has used the visit of British Prime Minister David Cameron to its Hindustan Unilever business in Mumbai to announce that it is investing €50 million to set up its first Asian aerosol deodorant manufacturing facility in Khamgaon, Maharashtra.

Investment in this new factory in India complements the €70 million committed to building new homecare liquids and distribution facilities in Thailand announced last week and €75 million to building a new home care factory and expanding existing manufacturing plants in South Africa announced at the end of January.

Pier Luigi Sigismondi, Chief Supply Chain Officer Unilever, said: "Unilever’s supply chain is central to the company’s delivery of consistent, sustainable and profitable growth. This investment in India is part of our broader expansion plans to help us achieve our ambition of doubling our business, whilst halving our environmental impact. The Khamgaon plant is one of the thirty new factories being built by 2015 and we will utilise the latest technology to deliver the increased quality products our consumers demand whilst meeting the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan commitments."

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "It’s great to be visiting Unilever’s Indian Headquarters today - more than 120 years since Sunlight soap, one of Unilever’s earliest products, was first exported from Britain to India. Unilever is a shining example of how a business with British roots can succeed in India and beyond and I’m delighted to hear they’re expanding further -investing over £40 million in a new manufacturing plant in Khamgaon to service the emerging Indian and South Asian markets."

Investment in Khamgaon will be phased over three years and production capacity will gradually be scaled up to generate direct employment for over 150 people and indirect employment for about 200 people. The plant will service demand from India and across South East Asia including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

The plant will utilise the latest technologies to maximise energy efficiency and reduce waste water to zero. This is in line with Unilever’s goal of reducing.water use in manufacturing. Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has reduced water usage in its manufacturing operations by 10.1% when compared with 2010 and by 21.5% compared to our 2008 baseline. More than 75% of HUL’s manufacturing sites are zero-discharge sites.

Nitin Paranjpe, Hindustan Unilever CEO, said: "Today’s announcement is another example of our commitment to cater to our growth in India. It will enable us to better serve consumers with innovation and green technology, as well as improve service levels to our retail customers."

Unilever directly employs more than 16,000 people full time in India. Head office is in Mumbai with more than 40 manufacturing plants across the country.

Unilever completes global Skippy sale outside of China

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:35:00 GMT

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Jan. 31, 2013 –Unilever today completed the sale of its global Skippy business to Hormel Foods, excluding the portion operated out of China, which remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close later this year.

On Jan. 3, the two companies announced the global deal for approximately $700 million, including the Skippy trademarks and two manufacturing facilities (in U.S. and China).

# # #

Safe harbour:

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

About Hormel Foods:

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. The company leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring branded, value-added products to the global marketplace. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, S&P Dividend Aristocrats for 2012, Maplecroft Climate Innovation Indexes, Global 1000 Sustainable Performance Leaders and was again named one of "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens” by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the fourth year in a row. The company enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers, foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.

# # #

Unilever to invest €75 million in building capacity and capability in South Africa

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMT

London/ Rotterdam/ Durban 31 January 2013, Unilever has announced that it will invest €75 million (1 billion Rand) in South Africa to expand its capacity with a new, state-of-the-art Home Care factory and to upgrade existing sites in Johannesburg and Durban. This investment will support Unilever’s ambition of doubling the size of its business while reducing its environmental impact and increasing its positive social impact.

Unilever’s South African business is important in enabling the company to deliver consistent sustainable and profitable growth and grew ahead of its market in 2012. The country offers significant opportunities for Unilever to strengthen and grow its business. The factory will produce homecare produce brands like Omo and Skip laundry detergents, Comfort fabric conditioner Domestos bleach and Sunlight washing up for the domestic market and is expected to become an export hub for several other African markets.

Pier Luigi Sigismondi, Chief Supply Chain Officer Unilever, said: “Unilever’s supply chain is central to the company’s delivery of consistent, sustainable and profitable growth. This investment is part of our industrial expansion plans and one of the thirty new factories being built by 2015. We will employ the latest technology to deliver the increased quality products our consumers demand whilst meeting the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan commitments.”

This development follows a €50 million (670 million Rand) Unilever investment just over a year ago to open another new factory near Durban producing renowned Savoury brands such as Knorr, Robertson’s, Knorrox, Aromat and Rajah.

Marijn van Tiggelen, Unilever SA Chairman: “Today’s announcement is another example of our multi-year, multi-million investment plan to cater for our growth in South Africa. It will enable us to better serve consumers with innovation and green technology, as well as improve service levels to our retail customers. The €75 million project is one of Unilever’s largest investments globally and underscores our commitment to the long term future of South Africa and the continent as a whole. The development will deliver a low energy, environmentally efficient factory with zero waste to landfill.”

The factory will be built in Anderbolt, Boksburg, adjacent to Unilever’s main distribution centre in South Africa and production is expected to start in 2014. The factory will use efficient motors, drive mixers and air compressors, reducing energy requirement levels substantially and the application of smart water efficiency technology, enabling the recovery of 70% of all water used in production phases.

Anderbolt’s solid waste will be recycled to levels where nothing goes to landfill. A combined Heat and Powers system will be looked at to further optimise energy consumption.

Under the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) launched in 2010, we are committed to helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, sourcing all our agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020, and decoupling our growth from our environmental impact. Supporting our three big goals are more than 50 time-based targets.

Unilever directly employs 2,700 people full time in South Africa. Head office is in Durban with manufacturing plants in Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg.

ENDS

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as 'will', 'aim', 'expects', 'anticipates', 'intends', 'believes', 'vision', or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance.
Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition puts sustainable business models on Davos agenda

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:57:00 GMT

January 28, 2013 - “Resilient Dynamism” was this year’s central theme at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In other words; the ability to, in the current crisis, stimulate sustainable growth with innovations, a clear vision and strong will to take action.

To reinforce this message, leaders of Unilever, DSM, HEINEKEN, Philips and Shell actively contributed to numerous sessions and debates. Pieter Jongstra, Managing Partner Ernst & Young The Netherlands: "The active participation of a number of DSGC Members was of great added value. We have been able to contribute to the quality of the dialogue around sustainable growth. In addition, there was quite some foreign interest in our coalition as a platform for collaboration."

Circular economy: innovation

Leaders of various DSGC Members chaired roundtable discussions in, among other, the session “Circular Economy Champions: Searching for Sustainable Growth Models at Scale”. The circular economy is an economic system focused on maximizing reusability and minimizing value destruction of products and natural resources. Subject of discussion were the opportunities for governments and companies, in scaling up and catalyzing circular economy business models. Best practices of sustainable innovations were shared with the 70 attending CEOs, scientists, politicians and new technology pioneers.

Collaborating and scaling up

Paul Polman (CEO, Unilever) emphasized the untenable situation we are currently facing. “Today, one billion consumers use 40 to 50% of the Earth’s natural resources. We consider it our task to rethink our definition of growth to really achieve sustainability, so that nine billion people can live together in peace by 2050. The Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition is an important platform for developing and scaling up initiatives that put sustainable growth first. It’s what we need in moving forward: towards a circular economy.” The session was held in the World Food Program tent, an important meeting hub in Davos for stakeholders, supported by DSM, Unilever and other partners of the UN World Food Program. Jean-Francois van Boxmeer (CEO, Heineken), emphasized that more and better collaboration is necessary if we want to scale up the current sustainability programs of companies. “Both within the supply chain, and among competitors, it’s key to share best practices and stimulate peer learning.”

Redesign of business valuation models

“We must learn how to do more with less. This requires a different mindset, as we need to deal differently with our planet and natural resources. Companies must realize that their responsibilities are about creating value on more levels than just profits. People, Planet and Profit are three primary goals. We also need different valuation models for that, so that this type of value creation becomes measurable and visible”, says Feike Sijbesma, CEO of Royal DSM.

Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition

The coalition, launched at the 2012 World Economic Forum in Davos, brings together Unilever, DSM, AkzoNobel, FrieslandCampina, Philips, Shell, KLM and Heineken. Together with other platforms, such as the World Economic Forum, the DSGC develops and shares knowledge. In addition, the DSGC actively engages with the Dutch government. The Coalition, which is Chaired by Jan Peter Balkenende, is facilitated by Ernst & Young and endorsed by VNO-NCW.

ENDS

Safe Harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever wins 2013 Catalyst Award for gender diversity

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:50:13 GMT

NEW YORK (January 24, 2013) – Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, was today named as a winner of the prestigious 2013 Catalyst Award, for its initiatives that expand opportunities for women and business.

Unilever was a joint winner of the award with Alcoa Inc. and The Coca Cola Company.

“This year’s Catalyst Award-winning initiatives demonstrate that global gender diversity strategies at multinational corporations can be implemented in a way that meets the needs of local regions and businesses,” said Ilene H.Lang, President & CEO, Catalyst. “And they are all championed by male CEOs who understand the strong business case for including women in top leadership and have made women’s advancement a top organization-wide priority from day one.”

Unilever CEO Paul Polman said: “We are delighted to be recognised by Catalyst for our long-standing commitment to gender balance. From our successful mentoring programme to our roll-out of flexible working, I am very encouraged by the progress we are making to help both men and women at Unilever reach their full potential."

“To achieve our company’s ambition of doubling the size of our business whilst reducing our environmental impact and increasing our positive social impact, it is crucial that we build a diverse and engaged workforce were everybody can develop to his or her full potential. The benefits of having a gender-balanced organisation are plain to see; it helps power creativity and innovation, deepens the talent pool and allows us to better serve our diverse consumer base.”

Since 1987, Catalyst has recognized exceptional business initiatives that advance women in the workplace with the Catalyst Award, which embodies Catalyst’s vision of “Changing workplaces, Changing lives.”

Unilever’s initiative, Global Reach With Local Roots: Creating a Gender-Balanced Workforce in Different Cultural Contexts, accelerates the advancement of high-potential women across different regions and leverages the company’s strong foundation of cultural diversity and multinational expertise to promote a culture of inclusion.

Alcoa Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, and Unilever will present in-depth discussions on their initiatives at the 2013 Catalyst Awards Conference at The Waldorf Astoria in New York on March 19, 2013. The Conference, which is sponsored by Wal-Mart, will feature keynote speaker Ursula Burns, Chairman and CEO, Xerox Corporation.

In the evening, the 2013 Catalyst Awards Dinner, sponsored by RBC and Shell Oil Company, will be chaired by Denise Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Campbell Soup Company. Close to 100 CEOs of major multinational corporations and firms are expected to attend, along with nearly 1,600 guests, including leaders of major corporations, firms, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations.

About Catalyst

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit membership organization expanding opportunities for women and business. With offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, and India, and more than 600 members, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. Catalyst annually honors exemplary organizational initiatives that promote women's advancement with the Catalyst Award.

About the Catalyst award

The Catalyst Award annually honors innovative organizational approaches with proven, measurable results that address the recruitment, development, and advancement of all women, including diverse women. Since 1987, Catalyst has recognized 79 initiatives at 73 organizations from around the world whose groundbreaking diversity and inclusion initiatives have changed workplaces, communities, and lives.

For more information about Unilever and its brands, please visit www.unilever.com.

Safe Harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Unilever reduces waste by one million household bins while growing business

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:00:00 GMT

London/ Rotterdam, 24 January 2013 – Unilever today announced that more than 50% of all its factories have achieved the goal of sending no waste to landfill in 2012.

This goal was achieved while the company reported annual sales of €51 billion – up from €40 billion when Unilever set out its new vision of doubling the size of its business while reducing its environmental impact and increasing its positive social impact. Unilever has already reached the milestone of 100% of sites sending zero waste to landfill in 18 countries. This achievement is equivalent to removing more than one million household bins of waste every year.

Over 130 Unilever factories across the world, from Costa Rica to Japan, send no non-hazardous waste to landfill, up from 74 at start of the year. Key driver for this achievement is the elimination of waste in the factories. Additionally waste is reduced, reused, recycled and recovered. Under its Sustainable Living Plan, Unilever announced that by 2020, total waste sent for disposal will be at or below 2008 levels - despite producing significantly higher volumes. Today, Unilever is stretching the original target even further by bringing the 2020 commitment 5 years forward. A total of 252 factories across the world will not send any non-hazardous waste to landfill by end of 2015.

Tony Dunnage, Unilever Eco-Efficiency Manager said: "This is a significant achievement for Unilever as we make progress towards reaching our ambitious sustainability goals. It's a great example of how we are putting our sustainability strategy into action - by decoupling the growth of our business from its environmental impact. Today's landmark demonstrates how our factories are more environmentally responsible, which is helping us to save money to invest in our business. Having over 130 sites not sending waste to landfill equates to a cost saving of almost €70 million, all achieved without the need for capital expenditure.”

Unilever is implementing best practices from all over the world, actively using the global supply chain network, to create more environmentally responsible factories. By using the ‘design once and deploy everywhere’ philosophy, the company is driving a sustainable model that is good for the environment and saves costs. Every new factory will produce 50% less waste than 5 years ago and will not send any non-hazardous waste to landfill by design.

Where reduction of waste is not sufficient it will reuse, recover or recycle waste to reach 0-waste to landfill. For example, in Russia Unilever collects a few tonnes of perforated outer-tea bags annually and this is sold in pet shops as animal bedding, used for wallpaper, etc. In Hefei (China) Unilever reduced plastics to wrap boxes on pallets by replacing it with reusable elastic fabrics.

ENDS

More information, please contact:

Unilever
Flip Dötsch
Flip.Dotsch@unilever.com
+31 (0) 10 217 3715
+31 (0) 6 11375464

Safe Harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever reports strong, broad-based growth in 2012

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 07:05:00 GMT

Today (23 January), Unilever released its results for the fourth quarter and full year 2012 which show good quality, profitable growth ahead of our markets. This underscores the good progress we are making in transforming Unilever into to a sustainable growth company.

Full year highlights

Turnover increased by 10.5% to €51.3 billion with a positive impact from foreign exchange of 2.2% and acquisitions net of disposals of 1.1%
Underlying sales growth 6.9% comprising volume growth of 3.4% and price growth of 3.3%
Emerging markets underlying sales growth 11.4% now representing 55% of turnover
Core operating margin up 30bps to 13.8%; gross margin up 10bps, advertising and promotions up €470 million at constant exchange rates
Core earnings per share increased by 11% to €1.57; free cash flow of €4.3 billion

Fourth quarter highlights

Underlying sales growth 7.8% with volume growth of 4.8% and price growth of 2.9%.

Commenting on the results, CEO Paul Polman said: “These results have been achieved in tough economic conditions, with volatile commodity costs and in an intensely competitive environment. They reflect the progress made in delivering bigger, better innovations and rolling them out faster, improving our execution in the market place and increased discipline driving savings in all areas of the business.

“We remain focused on achieving another year of profitable volume growth ahead of our markets, steady and sustainable core operating margin improvement and strong cash flow.”

Our markets

Throughout 2012 our markets experienced markedly different dynamics as emerging markets grew in both volume and value terms whilst developed market value remained subdued, with volumes lower than prior year.

Unilever performance

In this context Unilever delivered another quarter of solid growth. All of our categories grew, driven by the combination of strong innovations, sharpened in-market execution and the rollout of our brands to new markets.

Emerging markets underlying sales growth was 10.8% in the quarter, evenly split between volume and price, taking the full year underlying sales growth to 11.4%. The developed markets grew 4.0% in the quarter and were up 1.6% in the full year.

Personal Care

Hair finished the year with a strong quarter of double-digit growth. Tresemmé had an excellent quarter, reflecting strength in Brazil and the impact of the recent launches in Indonesia and India. Dove Hair benefited from the continuing success of Dove Damage Therapy. Clear also grew strongly, completing a good first year in the highly competitive US market. Sunsilk became a €1 billion brand driven by the growth of the core business coupled with the success of recent innovations such as the natural oils range.

Skin performance reflected the success of innovations across the portfolio. Dove Nutrium Moisture continues to drive growth in body wash and the Dove Purely Pampering range, successful in skin cleansing, is now being extended to hand & body. Dove Men+Care continued to build sales and was extended to male face care in the UK. Lifebuoy had another strong quarter reflecting good progress on the core products, the success of Lifebuoy Clini-Care 10 and the recent launch of colour-changing germ protection hand wash in Indonesia and India. The broad-based growth of the Lux brand in emerging markets reflected the successful relaunch with improved product quality, winning fine fragrances and strong advertising. The acquired Kalina brands continued to make good progress in Russia.

Deodorants growth reflected a good performance from Rexona with the notable success of Maximum Protection in Latin America and the extension of the MotionSense technology to North America. Dove deodorant was underpinned by a strong innovation programme and the rollout of Dove Men+Care. Competitive intensity in oral was high but Signal Expert Protection continued to do well and we launched White Now Gold in France and Italy.

Foods

Foods growth in the quarter was weak, in part due to difficult markets. In spreads we saw a decline in sales although volume shares improved in response to actions we took to ensure that our pricing was competitive. There is still more to do to drive category growth, for example our successful liquid margarines for use in cooking. During the quarter, Becel Gold was extended to the Nordics and Bertolli Gold was launched in the UK. Dressings continued to perform well despite a step-up in competitive intensity. We continued to benefit from our campaign to inspire new uses of mayonnaise and we are also seeing the impact of successful digital activities.

Despite sluggish growth in the core savoury business, new product innovations continued to perform well. Knorr jelly bouillon grew strongly driven by new variant launches such as Borsch and White Mushroom in Russia and Herbs and Spices in Austria and Switzerland. Knorr baking bags also grew rapidly and gained share in most markets despite intense competition. Our Food Solutions business, serving professional chefs, delivered solid results despite challenging developed markets, underpinned by double digit growth in key emerging markets.

Refreshment

Ice cream saw double-digit growth in the quarter, primarily driven by volume. Magnum completed a successful year by passing the €1 billion milestone on the back of Magnum Infinity and the recent launches into new countries such as the Philippines. Cornetto and Max both grew strongly in 2012. Ben & Jerry’s also performed well although we saw intense competition in take home ice cream, particularly in the US.

Beverages growth continued to improve in the quarter with Lipton progressing well, underpinned by the success of teapot bags in Turkey and the relaunch of the brand in Russia. India delivered a strong performance on Brooke Bond with double-digit growth in both the premium and value segments of the market.

Home Care

Fabrics cleaning grew ahead of our markets, reflecting the continuing success of Omo, relaunched to deliver faster stain removal, and the rapid growth of liquids across our brands and countries. Fabric conditioners also performed well driven largely by the new concentrated products and super-sensorial variants.

Household care growth continued to reflect strong performances by Sunlight hand dishwash and Domestos. Cif performance also improved driven for example by a strong innovation programme in Argentina and the success of the new Cif sprays and wipes with new Easy Lift technology in the UK.

Go to the Investor Centre to read the full fourth quarter and full year 2012 results announcement. Download the Unilever Investor Relations iPhone and iPad app for further information. Find out more on Unilever in the About Us and Brands in Action sections of this website.

Safe Harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever’s Q4 and full year 2012 results released today

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Unilever’s Q4 and full year 2012 results are out today, 23 January 2012.

Unilever today announced results for the fourth quarter and full year 2012.

Full details can be found on Unilever.com/investorrelations.

Unilever's hygiene brand Domestos to break taboo of the loo

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:22:16 GMT

Improved sanitation can contribute to 1/3 reduction in diarrhoeal diseases.

‘Toilets for Health’, a white paper by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Domestos, gives new insights in the sanitation crisis. In Ho Chi Minh City the first Domestos Toilet Academy was opened and in London an interactive statue ‘The Public Toilet’ was revealed. The United Nations has declared access to sanitation a basic human right, yet almost a third of the world’s population suffer from a lack of access to improved sanitation. Unilever, under its Sustainable Living Plan, has committed to helping more than one billion people take action to improve their health and well-being.

The white paper ‘Toilets for Health” highlights how improved sanitation could greatly reduce diseases such as diarrhoea, which results in at least 1.1 million deaths of children under five every year. Also, the report provides an overview of the main diseases linked to poor sanitation which include cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A&E and many parasitic diseases. The paper revealed:

Improved sanitation & handwashing facilities have a particularly positive impact on the education opportunities for young girls;
Up to 443 million school days are lost every year due to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) related diseases;
Diarrhoea causes under nutrition, it also reduces a child’s resistance to subsequent infections creating a vicious circle of malnutrition & infection.

Every year, 6.9 million children die before they reach their fifth birthday. A third of these deaths are caused by diarrhoeal disease and pneumonia – both can be significantly reduced through improving access to sanitation and promoting handwashing with soap. The World Health Organisation estimates a rate of return of $3-34 for each $1 invested in water and sanitation, depending on the context and system adopted. However, investment in water, sanitation and hygiene in developing countries is minimal compared to other sectors of public spending, and the share of investment going to water, sanitation and hygiene has actually fallen over the last 15 years¹.

Sanitation is often described as, ‘the Last Taboo’. Unilever hopes that raising awareness of the issue through World Toilet Day will go some way to breaking this taboo. To reach the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on sanitation in 2015, more than 120 million people will need to gain access to improved sanitation every year between now and then. One of the key reasons why the MDG for sanitation is lagging furthest behind is the relative reluctance to talk about it.

Sean Gogarty, Senior Vice President Household Care Unilever said; “By consolidating the knowledge available about improvements that can be made to people’s lives by the simple use provision of a clean, safe toilet, real action can be driven to help address this crisis.”

“Domestos is Unilever’s leading toilet hygiene brand, and has been committed to helping protect families from germs for more than 80 years. As such, the brand is uniquely positioned to address the sanitation crisis. That is why we’re working with global partners to plan sustainable sanitation strategies that will make a significant difference to the lives of millions of people around the world.”

“Finding sanitation solutions that solve these problems is one of the most complex issues in the world today and one that we at Unilever are committed to helping solve. Finding the solution will require collaborative working, bringing together the best brains in Public Health, Science, Engineering, Business and Communications.”

First Domestos Toilet Academy opened in Vietnam

Without toilets, untreated human waste can have significant consequences for whole communities, affecting many aspects of daily life and ultimately posing a serious risk to health. It is reported that every year more children die from diarrhoea-related disease than from HIV, malaria and tuberculosis combined. This situation could be solved simply by providing improved water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.

Unilever is also pioneering an innovative approach to the provision of sanitation, through its continued partnership with the World Toilet Organization, to launch the world’s first Domestos Toilet Academy in Vietnam. This academy will provide the business skills and training necessary for local entrepreneurs to source and supply latrines to their local communities – providing jobs and a boost to the economy, and at the same time promoting the importance of safe and hygienic sanitation. The Toilet Academy programme aims to be a sustainable and long-term solution to sanitation that benefits local society and helps stimulate local economy.

Dr Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, Minister of Health Vietnam said: “Currently, many countries, including Vietnam, are still facing lots of difficulties and challenges. Challenges of globalization as well as environmental pollution, population growth and urbanization have impacted the sanitation crisis. In Vietnam, the Government has put strong emphasis on stimulating and promoting the “Patriotic Hygiene Movement" to mobilize all management agencies, organizations at all levels and entire nation to join hands in improving hygiene and sanitation as this is essential in the current context.”

“The active participation of businesses like Unilever, helping improve health and hygiene for communities is greatly appreciated and widely acknowledged. The launch of the Toilet Academy clearly demonstrates Unilever's enormous effort and will positively contribute to improve sanitary conditions for Vietnamese people.”

Everyone can help to break the Taboo of the Loo

In addition, to further raise awareness amongst consumers, Domestos has commissioned “The Public Toilet”, a 4.5m high interactive statue which will be installed for five days around World Toilet Day, next to the iconic Tower Bridge landmark in London. Everyone will be able to upload a short video of their face via www.thepublictoilet.com, which will be broadcast onto the face of the statue. This activity aims to highlight the indignity faced by 1.1 billion people around the world who are forced to practice open defecation, the sanitation practice that poses the greatest threat to health.

Working with others to achieve the MDGs

To make a step change to try to solve the global sanitation crisis, Unilever is working with others to create innovative and sustainable solutions. Some examples were announced today. Unilever’s commitment to sanitation is also demonstrated through the Unilever Foundation and Domestos’ support of UNICEF’s Community Approaches to Total Sanitation programme. In this first year of this partnership, UNICEF will result in an estimated 400,000 people living in open defecation free communities across nine countries: Gambia, Ghana, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Sudan, Sudan and Vietnam.

In September this year, Unilever joined the UN’s Every Woman Every Child campaign to save the lives of women and children across the world through tackling deadly diseases such as diarrhoea. All these partnerships are focused to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on sanitation set by United Nations.

Chris Williams, the Executive Director of the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, operating within the United Nations system, says: “World Toilet Day is the perfect occasion to see toilets in a new light: as a motor for economic development. Studies show that each dollar invested in sanitation generates good return. This investment potential is lost, however, on the one in three people in the world who dream of what the rest of us take for granted: a clean toilet. For countries, and individuals, sanitation is one of the best investments to be made.”

¹http://www.wateraid.org/documents/off-track-off-target.pdf

ENDS

More information, please contact:

Unilever
Flip Dötsch
Flip.Dotsch@unilever.com
+31 (0) 10 217 3715
+31 (0) 6 11375464

Or
Jon Shaw Emma Kirby
jonathan@saltlondon.com emma@saltlondon.com
+44 208 870 6777

Getty Images will be attending the opening of the first Toilet Academy and photo’s will be made available to your photo desk.

About World Toilet Day:

World Toilet Day is observed annually on 19 November. This international day of action aims to break the taboo around toilets and raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis and lack of access to clean toilets. . In addition, it supports advocacy that highlights the profound impact of the sanitation crisis, and seeks to bring to the forefront the health, emotional and economic consequences the poor endure as a result of inadequate sanitation.World Toilet Day was created in 2001 by social entrepreneur, Jack Sim, Founder of the World Toilet Organization (WTO). Domestos was the first ever sponsor of World Toilet Day, and has been in partnership with the World Toilet Organization since 2009. This year, Domestos, the World Toilet Organization and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council are joining forces and are encouraging different groups such as media, development organizations, the private sector and civil society to advocate and take action for safe toilets. World Toilet Day is now celebrated globally with independently organized events. http://www.worldtoiletday.org

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard there to or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever agrees to sell global Skippy business to Hormel Foods

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMT

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. – Unilever today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement for the sale of its global Skippy business to Hormel Foods for a total cash consideration of approximately $700 million.

The transaction includes Unilever’s Skippy manufacturing facilities in Little Rock, Ark, and Weifang, China (located in the Shandong province).

Kees Kruythoff, president of Unilever North America, said: “Skippy is an iconic brand with presence all around the world. As we continue to sharpen our portfolio to deliver sustainable growth for Unilever, we believe that the potential of the Skippy brand can now be more fully realized with Hormel Foods.”

Skippy's annual turnover is approximately $370 million. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, is expected to close early in 2013.

Media contacts:

Unilever North America (Englewood Cliffs, NJ): Jeff Graubard or Anita Larsen +1 201-894-7760 or MediaRelations.USA@unilever.com

Unilever PLC (London): Trevor Gorin +44 207 822 6010 or Press-Office.London@unilever.com

Unilever NV (Rotterdam): Flip Dötsch +31 (0) 10 2174844 or mediarelations.rotterdam@unilever.com

Safe Harbour:

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

About Unilever:

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries. Our products are present in 7 out of 10 homes globally and are used by over 2 billion people on a daily basis. We work with 171,000 colleagues around the world and we are on track to generate annual sales of over €50 billion in 2012. Over half of our company’s footprint is in the faster growing developing and emerging markets (56% in 2011). Working to create a better future every day, we help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Our portfolio includes some of the world’s best known brands such as Knorr, Persil/Omo, Dove, Sunsilk, Hellmann’s, Lipton, Rexona / Sure, Wall’s, Lux, Rama, Ponds and Axe.

Unilever has been recognised in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indexes for 14 consecutive years. We are included in the FTSE4Good Index Series and attained a top environmental score of 5, leading to inclusion in the FTSE4Good Environmental Leaders Europe 40 Index. In 2011 Unilever led the Climate Counts Company Scorecard and for the second year topped the list of Global Corporate Sustainability Leaders in the GlobeScan /SustainAbility latest annual survey (2012). The company is an employer of choice in many of the countries in which it operates and is seen as a symbol for innovation and leadership development.

For more information about Unilever and its brands, please visit www.unilever.com.

About Hormel Foods:

Unilever hits the accelerator on drive towards sustainable growth

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:58:00 GMT

Unilever, one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies, has partnered with two seed accelerators to help it collaborate with entrepreneurs to develop new business opportunities.

The company has joined forces with Collider12 and Springboard’s Internet of Things (IoT) to support start-up companies which specialise in digital technology.

It is the first time that Unilever has partnered with accelerator programmes and takes the company’s focus on Open Innovation to the next level by collaborating with entrepreneurs on new business ideas.

Further partnerships are expected to be launched in 2013 and beyond to help the company deliver sustainable growth.

The 12 week acceleration programs offer start-ups seed capital, mentoring and various services to help them shape and incubate their business. At the completion of the intensive programmes, start-ups then pitch their business to Unilever and other investors for follow-on funding.

Unilever’s New Businesses Unit is partnering with Springboard’s Internet of Things Accelerator to identify and support start-up businesses which use in-home connectivity to improve the lives of consumers.

The partnership with Collider12 is focussed on start-ups which help brands communicate and interact with their customers via digital channels. It is being supported by Unilever Ventures.

John Coombs, Managing Director of Unilever Ventures, said: “We have been engaging with start-ups for more than ten years through Unilever Ventures. Partnering with accelerators gives us exposure to a greater number of companies and allows us to support them with mentoring and other services that help fast-track their incubation.

“There is a revolution in how people are engaging with our brands and we’re looking to spearhead that revolution. We want to work closely with these companies to help them develop their capabilities to provide services to big brands like those of Unilever, not just in the UK but around the world.”

Phil Giesler, VP New Businesses Unit, Unilever, said: “There is a huge community of entrepreneurs in the world who are developing the solutions to some of the most difficult challenges that companies like Unilever faces. We want to unlock the value of these inventors by working in partnership with them to make their ideas come to life, and investing in accelerators is an ideal way to make this happen.

“The accelerator start-up model is responsible for starting hundreds of significant businesses, such as Dropbox and Airbnb. We’re on the look-out for entrepreneurs who have the next big idea for the consumer goods industry, and want to work with us to move it forward.”

ENDS

Notes for the editor

For more information, please contact Paul Matthews, Unilever Corporate Media Relations Manager on 0207 822 6605 or paul.matthews@unilever.com

Unilever R&D involves over 6,000 professionals, six strategic centres for global R&D and 31 major product development centres. The strategic centres are located in Trumbull, US, Port Sunlight and Colworth in the UK, Vlaardingen in The Netherlands, Bangalore in India and Shanghai in China. In 2011, our investment in R&D was around €1bn.

Unilever Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘will’, ‘aim’, ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’, ‘vision’, or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are: Unilever’s global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever’s investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; and managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever appoints Havas EHS to develop global consumer data strategy

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:46:02 GMT

London/Rotterdam, 9th November 2012. Unilever has announced the appointment of Havas EHS to lead the development of a global consumer data strategy and roadmap that will enable its brands to harness the power of consumer data, including social graph data, to improve their ability to engage with the right audience at the right time.

Babs Rangaiah, Unilever VP Global Media Innovation, explains, “Data has always been important for marketing purposes, but collecting and harnessing consumer data has taken on greater urgency because the sheer amount of data that is passed through the internet is growing exponentially by the day.”

“We still firmly believe that our brands need a balance of Magic and Logic – this will make sure that our best creative efforts reach our consumers in an efficient and effective way,” adds Rangaiah.

Tash Whitmey, CEO of Havas EHS says “Unilever are setting out to completely change how they use data and social media data on all of their brands and we are delighted to be the agency they’ve chosen to lead this project. It is completely in line with our agency strategy of enabling brands to bring together data, technology and creative and deliver it to customers via a genuinely helpful and inspiring experience.”

Appointments for data capture and analysis at a local level will remain as they currently are.

-ENDS-

For further media information contact

Lucila Zambrano
Global Media Relations Director
+44 20 7822 5354 / +44 7825 273767
Lucila.zambrano@unilever.com

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever CEO challenges young leaders to remake capitalism

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:05:00 GMT

Pittsburgh, PA – October 19, 2012 – Unilever CEO Paul Polman this afternoon addressed 1,300 young leaders from 182 countries during the third annual One Young World Summit, challenging them to remake capitalism.

Polman called on the audience to start businesses that create opportunities for others to get involved and that drive positive social change—and not to rely on government or international consensus to solve issues like climate change – harnessing their youth and leveraging movements for good that are happening already.

“A 21st Century form of business [is] where the everyday consumer is helping to shape the social contract—moving from a value-based transaction to a values-based partnership,” he said.

The challenge is one that Unilever itself is undertaking. In 2010, the company pledged to decouple business growth from its environmental impact and launched the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, an ambitious blueprint for a new business model underpinned by a set of around 50 goals aimed at halving the company’s environmental impact, sourcing 100 percent of its agricultural raw materials sustainably, and helping one billion people improve their health and well-being.

“We want to show that it is possible to do well and do good on a mass scale. We want to show that big doesn’t have to be bad and that it’s not only small that’s beautiful,” Polman said to the assembled audience at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Polman is a second-year counsellor to the young delegates—part of an esteemed group providing inspiration and assistance, including: musician Bob Geldof, KBE; Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus; former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan; Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey; musician Joss Stone; model and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova; and campaigner Jamie Oliver.

One Young World Summit

Download a full copy of Polman’s speech.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever announces new initiative in progress to helping 1 billion people improve their health and wellbeing

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Unilever partners with Millennium Villages Project to improve handwashing habits in Africa.

New York, 15 October 2012 - Unilever and the Earth Institute today announced a new initiative to bring handwashing with soap – a lifesaving habit – to the Millennium Villages, a project that works with nearly 500,000 people in rural villages, across 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and Paul Polman, CEO Unilever, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in New York today on the fifth anniversary of Global Handwashing Day.

The partnership supports Unilever’s goal to deliver on one of its commitment under its Sustainable Living Plan – to help more than one billion people take action to improve their health and well-being. Over the past two years, Unilever has successfully changed the handwashing behaviour of 50 million people in Africa and South-Asia, through its leading soap brand Lifebuoy and partnerships with Population Services International (PSI) and UNICEF established through the Unilever Foundation.

Paul Polman, Unilever CEO said: ”The big issues the world is facing require new approaches, new business models and new partnerships. Responsible businesses must take a more active leadership role. The MOU with the Earth Institute partnering Lifebuoy with the Millennium Villages Project is one such example where working together will enhance our expertise of addressing hygiene in deep rural Africa and enable us to develop more effective solutions to reduce child mortality.”

“It is unacceptable that two million children die every year from infectious diseases when we have easy and cheap lifesaving solutions, such as handwashing with soap, readily available. Innovative partnerships between governments, civil society and business have a critical role to play in promoting better hygiene practices and in tackling the world’s deadliest diseases.”

The date for the MOU with the Millennium Villages Project – October 15th – has been chosen because it is the fifth anniversary of Global Handwashing Day – a day, celebrated in over 100 countries. Today Unilever is highlighting how handwashing with soap can help more children reach their fifth birthday.

Everybody can help a child – Pledge on Facebook

Millions around the world are asked to pledge on www.facebook.com/lifebuoy. With every pledge, Lifebuoy and its partners will help more children receive hygiene education through their dedicated handwashing behavior change programs.

Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University said: “Diarrhoea and pneumonia are the two leading causes of under-5 deaths, accounting for around 30% of children's deaths globally – more than two million lives lost each year. More than 80% of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Addressing these challenges through improved hygiene is a vital and effective step towards saving lives and achieving the global Millennium Development Goal to reduce the child mortality rate by two-thirds by 2015."

Consistent evidence shows that handwashing with soap at critical times - before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet - can reduce diarrhoeal risk by 45% and acute respiratory infections such as pneumonia, by 23%. Studies also reveal that primary school absenteeism due to diarrhoea and respiratory infections dropped between 20% and 50% as a result of better handwashing practices .

“We are looking forward to working with Unilever to ensure that straightforward solutions like handwashing reach the people that need them the most," said Sachs who leads the Millennium Villages Project. The poor need solutions that are affordable, products that are highly effective, and information that is practical and accessible. The benefits can be enormous.”

The partnership will be focusing on villages in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda, and aims to: decrease incidence in diarrhoeal diseases, promote gender equality, increase school attendance, enhance productivity and well-being for all community members. The partnership will also focus on governments. Governments should integrate handwashing with soap into national health and education policy frameworks. Governments and aid donors should ensure adequate finance for hygiene facilities and water availabilities. Business must act too, ensuring their products are even more affordable, and varied so that handwashing with soap is done everywhere and by all. Public-private partnerships have role to play and can help governments harness the power of business for the benefit of their population’s health.

Looking to the UN’s post-2015 agenda, Polman said, “It will be important to ensure that hygiene takes its place alongside targets on water and sanitation. This partnership with Millennium Villages Project will provide further evidence to demonstrate to policymakers how hygiene public policy can be improved, and help bring to an end the scandal of children dying from preventable diseases.”

Notes to Editors:

Getty Images are covering the Global Handwashing Days events in Jakarta, Mumbai, Johannesburg/ Soweto, Nairobi and New York. High resolution photos will be available to download from this page.

More information, please contact:

Unilever
Flip Dötsch
Flip.Dotsch@unilever.com
+31 (0) 10 217 3715
+31 (0) 6 11375464

The Earth Institute, Columbia University
Kyu Lee
klee@ei.columbia.edu
+1 646 337 3528

About Global Handwashing Day:

This 15th October is Global Handwashing Day’s fifth birthday. Celebrated in over 100 countries, Global Handwashing Day is an annual awareness day which aims to put the global spotlight on handwashing with soap as a lifesaving habit.
Unilever, through its Lifebuoy brand, co-founded Global Handwashing Day in 2008 with the Public Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap (PPPHW) alongside UNICEF, P&G, USAID, the Work Bank Water and Sanitation Programme, US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Academy for Educational Development.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Collaborate to Innovate: Unilever seeks help with new technical challenges to support sustainable growth

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:00:00 GMT

London/Rotterdam – 10th October 2012: Company’s new Open Innovation portal receives over 1000 ideas after six months.

Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer goods manufacturers, has released a new set of challenges to the world's innovation community to help the business deliver on its sustainable growth agenda.

In March 2012, the company's Open Innovation team launched a new online platform which offered experts the opportunity to find some of the technical solutions it needs to achieve its ambition of doubling the size of its business while reducing its environmental impact, as set out in the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.

Following the success of the platform, Unilever has now unveiled the details of another three research projects for which its Research & Development department is seeking external know-how.

The company hopes it will receive a similar response to when it announced its first ten open innovation "wants" earlier this year. The platform has now received more than 1,000 submissions, ranging from ideas which tackle the challenges set by Unilever, to other technical solutions and new product ideas.

"We've been hugely impressed by the quality, ingenuity and inventiveness of the submissions that we've received since we launched our Open Innovation platform six months ago," said Jon Hague, VP Open Innovation, Unilever.

"We have a long track-record of working with external partners to develop new technologies, so we were already very aware of the strength and depth of the innovation talent which exists outside of Unilever. However this was the first time we have shared our research projects in such an open forum and it's very exciting to have tapped into a new community of inventors who share our passion for sustainable innovation and creating a better future for our consumers and the environment."

Unilever is in advanced discussions with several technology companies as a result of publishing its first set of “wants” in March. The challenges ranged from technologies which could create lighter and more sustainable packaging, to laundry products which perform just as well with less water and lower temperatures.

The three new “wants” which Unilever is seeking collaboration on span two of its four global categories, Homecare and Refreshments. They are:

New technologies which break down fatty deposits left on clothes and hard surfaces in an efficient, odourless and environmentally friendly way. The solution could be incorporated as an ingredient in the detergent formulation or work as a pre-treatment application.
New technologies which enable us to reduce the sugar in our ready-to-drink teas by 30 per cent, without impacting on their taste or mouthfeel.
New technologies which enable us to stabilise natural red colour cost-effectively, for use in our fruit and dairy products. The solution must maintain the stability of the colour throughout its shelf life and be water soluble.

All ideas submitted on all 13 wants will be assessed by Yet2.com, an independent open innovation consultancy, before any reach Unilever's Open Innovation team.

Since Unilever's Open Innovation team was founded in 2009, the number of research projects which involve external collaboration has increased from 25 per cent to around 60 per cent.

ENDS

Notes for the editor

For more information, please contact Paul Matthews, Unilever Corporate Media Relations Manager on 0207 822 6605 or paul.matthews@unilever.com

The Open Innovation site can be found at: www.unilever.com/innovation/collaborating-with-unilever

Safe Harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever’s global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever’s investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London stock exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever concludes review of media planning and buying services

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:31:16 GMT

London/Rotterdam, October 5th 2012. Unilever today announced the outcome of the global review of its media planning and buying agency services.

Unilever can now confirm their agency configuration across the following key territories for local planning and buying assignments.

WPP’s media agency Mindshare has been appointed in:

Europe: UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia.
North America: US, Canada and Caribbean.
Asia: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Viet Nam, Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Africa: South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

Omnicom’s media agency PHD has been appointed in:

Europe: Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Asia: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and New Zealand.

IPG’s media agency Initiative has been appointed in:

Latin America: all countries (including Mexico), excluding Brazil.
Europe: Greece, Portugal, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

At the same time Unilever has appointed PHD to handle Global Communication Planning for all Personal Care, Refreshment, Foods and Homecare brands. Global Planning for Household Care will be managed by Initiative, as part of an integrated IPG solution.

Luis Di Como, Unilever Senior Vice President Global Media, said, “We are confident that we have the right agency partners to service our business. They will help us leverage our scale and engage with consumers around the world in effective and meaningful ways, in order to fulfil our ambition of doubling the size of our business while reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our social impact.”

“We greatly value the long-term relationships that we have with our agency partners and look forward to continue working closely with them to deliver our marketing strategy, Crafting Brands for Life, and our ambition to continue leading in the digital marketing space,” concluded Di Como.

[Ends]

NOTES TO EDITORS

All appointments are subject to the finalisation and execution of contracts implementing these arrangements.

For further media information contact:

Lucila Zambrano
Global Media Relations Director
+44 207 822 5354 / +44 7825 273767
Lucila.zambrano@unilever.com

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever reaches Facebook milestone

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:48:38 GMT

14/08/12 - More than 1 million fans are following our global Unilever Facebook profile.

Our Facebook page has engaged followers around the world with content which showcases Unilever’s ambition to make sustainable living commonplace.

Our community of fans has grown thanks to followers who are sharing their input and ideas every day through our quizzes, videos, tips, news and apps.

Win a starring role on our page

To celebrate the million-fan milestone, we’re launching an interactive cover image, featuring our Facebook followers.

The image will contain their profile photos creating a mosaic of faces allowing fans to take centre stage on the profile.

Followers will be asked to share their own pledges on how they plan to live more sustainably, and users can hover over individual photos in the mosaic to see unique tips, suggestions and promises for leading a sustainable way of life. The best entries will be highlighted as ‘featured fans’ every week.

Telling the story of sustainability at Unilever

“Our growing presence on Facebook gives us a great place to tell consumers the story about how we’re embedding sustainability into our brands and the way we do business. It also provides a great platform for them to join us in our collective efforts to make sustainable living common place.” Marc Mathieu, SVP, Marketing

Through creating engaging content we can not only continue to grow our fan base, but also demonstrate how small actions can make a big difference to consumer’s daily lives. If you have a sustainable living story to tell please do let us know!” Paul Nevett, VP, Marketing, Unilever Brand.

Follow Unilever’s global brand profile on Facebook

Unilever joins forces against hunger

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:46:17 GMT

12/08/12 - On the day of the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, CEO Paul Polman took part in a high-level meeting urging the world to take decisive action before the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio to transform the life chances of millions of children by improving their nutrition.

The meeting – called The Global Hunger Event – was hosted by UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Brazilian Vice President Michel Temer. It brought together representatives from international governments, charities and businesses at Downing Street.

New initiatives announced

Scientific innovation, better accountability by governments and greater co-operation between governments, civil society and business can all help tackle under-nutrition, prevent stunting and improve children’s life chances. Three new initiatives were announced on these areas, one of which is focused on private sector liaison with an alliance of leading UK companies.

Making nutrition available to the poor

Speaking at the event, Polman outlined the purpose and aim of the business alliance: “It will leverage heavily the initiatives already underway and hopefully create scale; focused on specific projects to make more nutritious food available to poor families and children in developing countries at prices which they can afford. We will equally focus on health hygiene and environmental problems which contribute to under-nutrition.”

Sharpening the UK’s contribution

Paul spoke on behalf of the group that Unilever convened jointly with DfID (Department for International Development) and GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition) before the event. The core group of UK-based companies included Accenture Development Partnerships, Associated British Foods, Cargill, DSM, GlaxoSmithKline and Syngenta. These were joined by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Save the Children UK.

On the group’s purpose, Paul said: “This is an effort to create a new partnership between UK business, government and NGOs to further sharpen the UK contribution to the public-private models. We aim to enrol other companies and develop plans for a broader UK business alliance.”

Groundbreaking YouTube initiative airs Ramadan shows

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:43:39 GMT

26/07/12 - For the first time ever this Ramadan, millions of viewers around the world will be able to watch more than 50 premium Ramadan shows the same day they air on TV through a new dedicated YouTube channel.

A thoroughly modern tradition

Youtube.com/Ramadan will be a hub for all viewers to experience the Ramadan tradition of watching their favourite Arabic series. This innovative project is the first of its kind and is an indication of the momentum YouTube has generated as a destination for premium content.

The hub is the product of a joint venture between YouTube and Unilever, who collaborated with various media partners to feature the top Ramadan shows for users across the globe to enjoy.

“Unilever, Google and YouTube have a strong global relationship based on bringing digital innovations to the public. As such, we are delighted that two of the Arab world’s most loved Unilever food and beverage brands – Lipton and Knorr – will bring a great online viewing experience to millions of people during the holy month of Ramadan,” said David Porter, Media Director of Unilever middle east and north Africa, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

Good for viewers, good for partners

Youtube.com/Ramadan will feature hundreds of episodes from Ramadan shows the day they are aired on TV for viewers to watch, comment on, like and share. Shows will be categorised so that users can browse by genre, network, title and popularity.

All episodes will be uploaded by their legal owners. This will help to combat online piracy as well as generate revenue for partners through advertising.

The Middle East and North Africa region is second in the world for the most viewed YouTube content, with an average of 167 million videos watched every day.

Unilever leads call on food security at G20 Summit

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:29:03 GMT

20/06/2012 - CEO Paul Polman is spearheading a group of business leaders from the fast-moving consumer goods industry and international non-governmental organisations, calling for action on food security.

Improving livelihoods

As co-chair of the B-20 Food Security Task Force along with Daniel Servitje, Chief Executive of Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo, Paul has set out recommendations for a 50% increase in food production and productivity by 2030, while improving the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

The B-20 Food Security Task Force is part of the Business-20 Summit (B20), an international forum which encourages dialogue between the global business community and governments in the G20.

The task force has identified five priority areas in which governments and businesses should work together on developing sustainable food and nutrition security programmes. They are:

Increasing investment in agricultural productivity
Improving market function
Ensuring more sustainable food production (including water resource management)
Accelerating access to technology
Integrating and prioritising nutritional needs

With a growing world population, estimates suggest that global food production needs to increase 70% by 2050.
At the same time diminishing levels of natural resources and the effects of climate change are posing ever greater challenges to the agricultural industry.

Smallholder farmers

Paul says: “Going forward, farmers will have to double the annual yield increase – and we need to reach out to 500 million smallholder farms who produce most of the agricultural output in developing countries.”

Recommendations include targeted programmes to provide farmers, many of whom are women, with the skills they need to increase their productivity and income.

More work is also needed to help countries which struggle to produce enough food to feed their growing populations.

Sustainable agricultural goods

Paul says: “We need to make it easier to transport goods from suppliers and to promote the development of local sourcing, which helps to develop local markets and reduce urban migration.

“We need trade policies that increase the exchange of sustainable agricultural goods. Reducing trade-distorting support and protection could provide significant opportunities for farmers while expanding consumers’ access to affordable foods.”

This action would require a huge commitment from governments to improve essential infrastructure and help to reduce waste in the value chain.

Companies are also investing, with $15 billion committed to helping boost agricultural productivity by 50% by 2030.

The brands that make our business

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:26:01 GMT

19/06/12 - You might know our brands by name – but how much do you know about how they started out, where they’re sold, what you can do with them and what they stand for when it comes to sustainability? Find out in our new brands section.

Unilever’s brand portfolio

A new section of Unilever.com packed with information about some of our biggest brands is now live.

In this redesigned brands area, you can learn the stories behind Dove, Ben & Jerry’s, Knorr, Vaseline, Lipton, Domestos and many more of the brands in our vast portfolio.

You’ll also find videos – from recipe ideas to mini-movies – and the latest live updates from Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Sustainable living through our brands

Our brands touch 2 billion people every day. That gives us a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on sustainability through our products, and how consumers use them – and that’s why another key addition to the new section is the Brands in Action area.

In this section, you can check out articles that show how some of our brands are embedding sustainability into their products, campaigns and social missions – and we’ll keep you updated with new examples as they happen.

It’s all part of our commitment to the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan – our vision to grow our business sustainably while having a positive impact on the communities where we have a presence.

Explore our Brand in Action page to find out about Lifebuoy’s campaign to save lives in India through handwashing with soap, how Omo has reduced its packaging with a concentrated format, and why we’re committed to sourcing 100% of our agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020.

Unilever and Save the Children launch global partnership

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMT

London/Rotterdam/Beijing, 14th September 2012. The Unilever Foundation and Save the Children launched a global partnership today. The partnership aims to save millions of lives among young children and mothers in China, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Kenya. The announcement was made at a joint event held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The Unilever Foundation has made a three-year, 15 million Euros commitment to support Save the Children’s biggest ever global campaign, EVERY ONE, which is working towards eradicating mortality among children and mothers, in support of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals Four and Five.

Unilever and Save the Children have also partnered with China Development Research Foundation (CDRF), and along with the Meishan Municipal Government of Sichuan province, signed a memorandum of co-operation at today’s event to jointly carry out a Village Early Education Center project in Sichuan province.

“Our partnership with Save the Children will deliver transformational change that will impact millions of lives around the world. Today, over 6.9 million children die before their fifth birthday each year – that’s one child every four seconds,” explains Paul Polman, Unilever CEO. “We have an ambition to double the size of our business whilst reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our social impact; looking after the future generations is an intrinsic part of our vision, and it is also our responsibility.”

Janti Soeripto, Save the Children International’s Deputy CEO said: “Unilever’s support will bring us a step closer to ensuring that a health worker is within reach of every child, life-saving vaccines are available for all, and children have enough as well as the right food to grow up healthy. Combining our global reach and joint ambition we can achieve long-lasting change for the world’s most vulnerable children.”

The partnership will involve improving access to health workers and life-saving vaccines, and ensuring children in need are reached with high-impact health and nutrition programmes. It will also provide a platform to catalyse a global movement and generate the public and political will for a global breakthrough on child survival. The partnership encompasses programme funding, consumer outreach, cause-related marketing and employee engagement; and will focus on the priority countries of China, Bangladesh, Kenya and Nigeria. The Unilever Foundation will be helping Save the Children reach over 2 million children and their mothers by 2015.

In China, Unilever will invest 1.8 million Euros in three years to support Save the Children’s programmes promoting children’s health, nutrition and early childhood development, including the Village Early Education Center project in Sichuan province in partnership with CDRF and the Meishan Municipal Government of Sichuan province.

In Nigeria, the Unilever Foundation will support Save the Children’s work to improve the lives of mothers and their babies in Jigawa and Lagos through quality care and support at the time of birth and immediate post-partum period. The partnership will help to build the capacity of health workers to provide quality services and appropriate care to mothers and their babies and improve access to quality mother and newborn healthcare services in hard-to-reach areas.

With Unilever’s support Save the Children will also tackle childhood malnutrition in Bangladesh by delivering a comprehensive package of nutrition interventions in Barisal, Chittagong and Sylhet Divisions. Save the Children will train health workers and support community volunteers to identify and treat malnutrition, whilst providing mothers with the skills to prevent it.

In Kenya Unilever is supporting Save the Children to raise awareness of the scale of child mortality from preventable causes and launch a high impact, emotive campaign that will not only create awareness but also mobilise Kenyans, the Government and other stakeholders to put more effort and resources towards meeting MDG 4 by 2015: a drastic reduction in the number of children that die before their fifth birthday.

Finally, Unilever is supporting Save the Children’s Humanitarian Health Workers work to significantly scale up frontline health capacity so that many more children’s lives can be saved in emergencies.

[Ends]

Unilever Foundation

Notes to Editors

About the Unilever Foundation

The Unilever Foundation is dedicated to improving quality of life through the provision of hygiene, sanitation, access to clean drinking water, basic nutrition and enhancing self-esteem. The Foundation is one action Unilever is taking to help meet its goal of helping more than 1 billion people improve their health and well-being, and in turn, create a sustainable future.

About Save the Children

Save the Children works in more than 120 countries and help to save children's lives, fight for their rights and help them fulfil their potential.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever Completes Sale of Frozen Meals Portfolio in North America

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 14:18:22 GMT

London & Rotterdam – Aug. 20 2012 – Unilever today announced that it has completed the sale of its North America frozen meals business, conducted under the Bertolli and P.F. Chang’s brand names, to ConAgra Foods, Inc., for total cash consideration of $267 million, subject to adjustment.

Under the terms of the transaction, Unilever licensed the Bertolli brand name to ConAgra Foods for use in the frozen meals business and transferred its existing license with P.F. Chang’s for use of the P.F. Chang’s Home Menu brand name. Unilever will retain the Bertolli trademark and continue manufacturing Bertolli pasta sauce at its Owensboro, Ky., facility.

About Unilever North America:

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong operations in more than 100 countries and sales in 190. With products that are used over two billion times a day around the world, we work to create a better future every day and help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others. In the United States and Canada the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Becel, Ben & Jerry’s, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy, Consort For Men, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, fds, Good Humor, Hellmann’s, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Just for Me!, Klondike, Knorr, Lever 2000, Lipton, Magnum, Motions, Nexxus, Noxzema, Pond’s, Popsicle, Promise, Q-tips, Ragu, Simple, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Soft & Beautiful, St. Ives, Suave, tcb, TIGI, TRESemmé, Vaseline, and Wish-Bone. All of the preceding brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever employs more than 13,000 people across North America –generating over $9 billion in sales in 2011. For more information visit www.unileverusa.com or www.unilever.ca.

About ConAgra Foods, Inc.:

ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE: CAG), is one of North America's leading food companies, with brands in 97 percent of America’s households. Consumers find Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Egg Beaters, Hebrew National, Hunt’s, Marie Callender’s, Orville Redenbacher’s, PAM, Peter Pan, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Snack Pack and many other ConAgra Foods brands in grocery, convenience, mass merchandise and club stores. ConAgra Foods also has a strong business-to-business presence, supplying frozen potato and sweet potato products as well as other vegetable, spice and grain products to a variety of well-known restaurants, foodservice operators and commercial customers. For more information, please visit us at http://www.conagrafoods.com.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever announces closure of U.S. bond issue

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:41:00 GMT

London/Rotterdam – 2nd August 2012: Unilever announced that the $1 billion bond, consisting of $450 million Fixed Rate Notes due 30th July 2015 and $550 million Fixed Rate Notes due 2nd August 2017, launched on July 30, closed today.

Details of the issue are:

Type of security: Fixed Rate Note due 2015 at a coupon of 0.45%
Aggregate Principal Amount: $450 million

Type of security: Fixed Rate Note due 2017 at a coupon of 0.85%
Aggregate Principal Amount: $550 million

Mark Smith, Group Treasurer commented, “ I am pleased to say that the issue has gone very well, with strong demand from investors enabling us to achieve financing at a competitive rate.”

Ends

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever prices a $1 billion bond on the US market

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 07:45:00 GMT

London/Rotterdam – 31st July 2012: Unilever yesterday priced a double-tranche $1.0 billion (ca. €0.8 billion) bond on the U.S. market: $450 million 0.45 per cent Fixed Rate Notes due 30th July 2015 and $550 million 0.85 per cent Fixed Rate Notes due 2nd August 2017. The anticipated closing date of the offering is 2nd August 2012.

This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus and related prospectus supplement. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained by contacting Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC or Unilever United States, Inc., 700 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632, United States of America (telephone number +1 201 894 7042). An electronic copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement, together with the prospectus, is also available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov.

Unilever plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

-ENDS-

Safe Harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever’s global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever’s investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever agrees to sell frozen meals portfolio in North America

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 19:56:55 GMT

Unilever today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement for the sale of its North America frozen meals business to ConAgra Foods, Inc. for a total cash consideration of $265 million. Unilever’s North America frozen meals business consists of a full range of premium, multi-serve frozen entrees and appetizers under the well-known Bertolli and P.F. Chang’s brand names.

The transaction, subject to regulatory review, includes a license for the use of the Bertolli brand name and the transfer of Unilever’s existing license with P.F. Chang’s for use of the P.F. Chang’s Home Menu brand name. It does not include Unilever’s facility in Owensboro, Ky., at which the Bertolli and P.F. Chang’s frozen meals are currently produced. Unilever will retain the Bertolli trademark and continue its existing pasta sauce business, with manufacturing operations remaining at its Kentucky facility.

Kees Kruythoff, president of Unilever North America, said: “Bertolli and P.F. Chang’s frozen meals are two attractive businesses with a focus on quality ingredients and differentiated technology. I am confident they will continue to do well under ConAgra Foods’ management.”

The company’s decision to divest its North American frozen meals business is in line with its global strategy to exit the frozen foods business. Unilever previously divested its European frozen foods business.

In 2011, the combined Bertolli and P.F. Chang’s brands had turnover of approximately $300 million. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2012.

Safe Harbour

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Among other risks and uncertainties, the material or principal factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are; Unilever's global brands not meeting consumer preferences; increasing competitive pressures; Unilever's investment choices in its portfolio management; finding sustainable solutions to support long-term growth; customer relationships; the recruitment and retention of talented employees; disruptions in our supply chain; the cost of raw materials and commodities; secure and reliable IT infrastructure; successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures and business transformation projects; economic and political risks and national disasters; the sovereign debt crisis in Europe; financial risks; and failure to meet high product safety and ethical standards; managing regulatory, tax and legal matters. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2011 and the Annual Report and Accounts 2011. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

About Unilever North America

About ConAgra Foods, Inc.

Media contacts:

Unilever North America (Englewood Cliffs, NJ):
Jeff Graubard +1 201-894-7760 or MediaRelations.USA@unilever.com

Unilever delivers consistent first-half 2012 results

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Today (26 July), Unilever released its results for the half year and second quarter 2012. Solid and consistent first half results provide further evidence that we are making progress in the transformation of Unilever to a sustainable growth company.

View an interview with Paul Polman on our latest results

First-half highlights

Turnover up 11.5% at €25.4 billion with a positive impact from foreign exchange of 1.9% and acquisitions net of disposals of 2.2%
First-half underlying sales growth 7.0% comprising volume growth of 2.8% and price growth of 4.1%. Second quarter underlying sales growth of 5.8%
Emerging markets underlying sales growth up 11.4% in the first half; up 11.0% in the second quarter
Core operating margin flat; increased advertising and promotions investment behind our brands
Core earnings per share up 6% at €0.76; free cash flow at €1.5 billion

The first-half results reflect a strong performance in markets that remain challenging. Consumer confidence remains fragile and the competitive environment intense. The value growth of our markets is driven largely by pricing and reflects the combination of strong growth in emerging markets and sluggish growth in the developed markets where volume growth continues to be negative. In this context, all of our Categories grew, driven by strong innovations and the roll-out of our brands into new markets.

Commenting on the results, CEO Paul Polman said: “Despite deteriorating global economic conditions and a competitive environment which remains intense, we again delivered volume growth ahead of our markets and gained value share across the majority of our business. Our performance reflects continued investment in innovation, brand-building and people, whilst keeping discipline on both costs and execution.”

Personal Care

Hair delivered strong double-digit growth driven by Dove, with the continuing success of Dove Damage Therapy, and Clear, benefiting from the continuing success of its relaunch as a premium scalp expert. The expansion of our brands into new markets is also contributing strongly, with the launch of Clear in the US, TRESemmé in Brazil, Dove Hair in the Philippines, and the introduction of Axe Hair in Europe.

Skin cleansing delivered strong growth ahead of our markets, with Dove, Lux and Lifebuoy all performing well. Dove benefited from the continuing success of Nutrium Moisture shower gels and the Dove Men+Care range, which was recently extended to Brazil. Dove bars were launched in Indonesia and Lifebuoy Clini-Care 10 has made an excellent start in India. In skin care, the launch of Simple in the US is making good progress and Vaseline maintained strong momentum, underpinned by the success of the Total Moisture range. Concern Kalina in Russia is performing well.

Deodorants growth reflected a good performance from Dove on the back of successful innovations and consistent advertising and a good performance from Axe Anarchy. Oral care growth was mid-single digit, reflecting in-market activities which are weighted to the second half. In the second quarter our new Expert Protection range was launched under the Signal brand in France and under the Pepsodent brand in India.

Foods

Savoury growth was underpinned by strong performances in Knorr cooking products and soups. Knorr jelly bouillon continued to grow as we supported the latest innovation, gravy, and through successful market development programmes such as the “Steak Challenge” initiative in Latin America. Knorr baking bags also delivered good growth and are now available in 40 countries. Our Food Solutions business, which serves professional chefs, is helping drive savoury growth by working with our customers to create healthy menus and through the “wise up on waste” initiatives, working with chefs to reduce energy consumption and food wastage.

In spreads we have increased prices to keep pace with significant commodity cost inflation and this impacted volumes in the second quarter. We delivered positive growth in the first half and we continued to innovate with the successful Latta aerated product now launched in the Netherlands. Liquid margarines continued to do well in Europe. Dressings delivered another quarter of growth, reflecting a strong performance by Hellmann’s in Latin America driven by the ‘Inspire’ campaign to encourage new uses of mayonnaise.

Home Care

Laundry grew ahead of our markets, reflecting the success of our innovations and the actions taken to improve the product performance. Omo has been reformulated to deliver faster stain removal and is already available in nine countries. Comfort Anti-Bacterial has been launched in Indonesia and Vietnam.

Household care growth reflected the strong performance of Sunlight hand dishwash. Sunlight was relaunched with an improved degreasing formulation in Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. Domestos was launched in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia. Cif was launched in Mexico and was extended to affordable pouches in Indonesia.

Refreshment

Ice cream performed well in the quarter despite the adverse weather conditions in northern Europe and the high prior year comparator. This reflects good progress in expanding our global footprint. Magnum delivered high single-digit growth, building on the successful launch in the US with the introduction of Magnum Minis, and with the recent launch of Magnum in the Philippines and Thailand. Cornetto also grew strongly on the back of the Angels & Devils innovation and a successful digital campaign in China. Ben & Jerry’s opened its first premium ice cream shop in Japan.

Beverages saw a strong performance in Africa and the Middle East, improved performance in Russia driven by the Lipton relaunch and a good initial response to the launch of Lipton Tea & Honey powdered ready-to-drink tea sachets in the US.

Go to the Investor Centre to read the full first-half 2012 results announcement. Download the Unilever Investor Relations iPhone and iPad app for further information. Find out more on Unilever in the About Us and Brands in Action sections of this website.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Ben & Jerry’s seeks sustainability entrepreneurs in €10,000 competition

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:37:54 GMT

13/02/12: Ben & Jerry’s "Join Our Core" competition aims to find the best sustainability start-up companies in Europe.

Ben & Jerry’s seeks Europe’s brightest business brains

The "Join Our Core" competition offers bright sparks an opportunity to pitch their sustainable business plans to a panel of industry leaders.

The first 100 candidates to submit their ideas will win a year’s supply of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Once all the entries are in, 25 semi-finalists will be invited to share their proposals with judges representing charities such as Ashoka, VSO and the Fairtrade Foundation. Ben & Jerry’s founder Jerry Greenfield will also be on the panel.

A group of 15 shortlisted finalists will then visit rural communities in Uganda with VSO. There they’ll have a unique opportunity to see social business ideas brought to life, and will spend time with the Fairtrade vanilla farmers who supply Ben & Jerry’s with one of their key ingredients.

Mentoring, marketing & money to invest

The final five overall winners will scoop €10,000 to invest in their business plans, and their name will be promoted on Ben & Jerry’s tubs across Europe in 2013. They will also win mentoring from global entrepreneurship organisation Ashoka.

“When we set up the company in 1978, Ben and I always believed giving back to the community was as important as making great-tasting ice cream. That’s why I’m so excited about this competition to find business models with those same values that still lead us today,” says Jerry.

“Join Our Core is about driving positive change that could help individuals around the world,” adds Ilaria Ida, Ben & Jerry’s European Social Mission Manager.

“We would love to see more socially minded start-ups making a difference and showing that values-led businesses can prosper, even in tough economic times.”

Core Concoctions flavours

Join Our Core opens for entries as Ben & Jerry’s launches its new range of Core Concoctions flavours.

The three new options are: Karamel Sutra™ with a sensuous sweet caramel core surrounded by chocolate & caramel ice creams delightfully laced with fudge chips. Berry White, a soft chocolate truffle core surrounded by vanilla & raspberry ice creams with white chocolatey chunks & raspberry pieces. And Dough-ble Whammy, a soft chocolate fudge core surrounded by chocolate & cookie dough ice creams with cookie dough chunks.

Find out more and enter the competition.

The competition closes on 15 April 2012.

Unilever receives C K Prahalad Award for leadership in sustainability

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:59:50 GMT

28/06/12 - Judges honoured Unilever and its CEO Paul Polman for matching a bold vision of long-term capitalism with equally impressive action on sustainability through its Sustainable Living Plan.

A bold vision

Unilever has received a prestigious C K Prahalad Award for its leadership in sustainability from the Corporate Economic Forum (CEF).

The C K Prahalad Award was created to honour the vision and life’s work of the late Dr C K Prahalad, one of the world’s most influential business strategists.

Towards the end of his illustrious career, Prahalad focused his talent on the link between sustainability and long-term business success.

Judges honoured Unilever and its CEO Paul Polman for matching a bold vision of long-term capitalism with equally impressive action on sustainability through its Sustainable Living Plan.

“Unilever under Paul Polman’s leadership is a true pioneer of emerging ‘next practices’ in the private sector,” said Corporate Economic Forum founder M R Rangaswami.

Presented at The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park in New York City on 25 June, other recipients of the award were Neil Hawkins of Dow Chemical and The Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

View a video about the 2012 C K Prahalad Award winners on YouTube.

Making a sustainable future

The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan aims to halve the company’s environmental impact while increasing turnover.

Goals include helping over 1 billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, and sourcing 100% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably.

“We are very honoured to receive this award in the name of C K Prahalad, a man who did so much throughout his career to promote more responsible, inclusive and equitable forms of capitalism, which the world needs now more than ever,” said Paul Polman.

“C K understood that any system in which too many people feel excluded is not going to last. Our own Unilever Sustainable Living Plan owes much of its thinking to the insights he brought to bear, including his strong belief that it is always better to innovate with low income consumers and not for low income consumers.

“That is the way to build the inclusive and sustainable business models of the future.”

The CEF brings together more than 200 senior executives from companies that represent 18 different industries and combined revenues of over $3 trillion.
The Prahalad Awards were presented at The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park in New York City on 25 June. Other recipients of the award were Neil Hawkins of Dow Chemical and The Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

Unilever delivers sustainable growth message at Rio

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:00:00 GMT

29/06/12 - Unilever engaged with world leaders at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Leading the way in sustainable development

The UN Conference on Sustainable Development, also known as Rio+20, saw heads of state and high-level representatives from 196 countries come together to promote sustainable development.

It represented an important opportunity for Unilever to influence policy that will help achieve the targets set out in its Sustainable Living Plan.

Paul Polman, CEO, took part in several high-profile discussions and spoke about the need for reduced import tariffs on sustainable commodities at a dinner with Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

Paul also spoke at the Green Growth Forum with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon about the need to create policies that enable sustainable growth.

The Unilever delegation also included Gail Klintworth (Chief Sustainability Officer), Karen Hamilton (VP, Sustainability) and Fernando Fernandez (Brazil CEO).

Sustainable Development Goals

Unilever was also successful in encouraging the need for governments to commit to establishing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which could succeed the Millennium Development Goals set to expire in 2015.

In its pre-Rio manifesto, Unilever had urged collaboration with business to develop SDGs over issues such as deforestation and food security. There was widespread backing for the concept of SDGs and Unilever is now looking to support the new UN working group on the issue.

Global Advocacy Director Thomas Lingard said: “When it comes to understanding what needs to be done to promote sustainable growth, Unilever is now ahead of many governments.

“We have an unprecedented opportunity to galvanise the support of countries around the world in support of our plan to integrate economic growth and positive social impacts with a reduction in environmental impact.

“With the right support from policy-makers, we can go further and faster than we can alone.”

Deforestation

Another significant achievement was a pledge by United States government to support Unilever’s goal to eliminate deforestation in its supply chain by 2020.

Unilever is a leading advocate of the zero net deforestation policy, adopted by the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), a global alliance of 300 leading manufacturers and retailers, in 2010.

The US government announced that it would put additional resources into promoting sustainable agriculture that protects forests and would co-host, along with the CGF, high-level talks within 100 days.

“Individually, both governments and business have already mobilised significant resources to address the challenge of deforestation but we all recognise that much more can be achieved if we align our efforts and work in partnership,” said Paul.

About an acre of tropical rainforest is lost every second. The clearing and burning of these forests are responsible for around 15% of global carbon emissions.

Unilever partners with PSI and Facebook to launch Waterworks™

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Unilever, through the Unilever Foundation, in partnership with PSI (Population Services International) announces the launch of Waterworks™, a not-for-profit programme that will provide safe clean drinking water to communities in need around the world. Waterworks™, which operates through a ground-breaking Timeline application developed jointly with Facebook, will connect people with means directly with people and communities in need.

Water is the source of life, but almost 800 million people don't have access to clean drinking water. Preventable water-borne diseases, such as dysentery and diarrhoea are a particular threat to the weakest members of society: a child dies from water-related illness every 20 seconds.

Keith Weed, Unilever’s Chief Marketing Officer, explains, “In July 2010, the United Nations declared that safe and clean drinking water is a human right; we share this belief and have made a public and ambitious commitment through the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan to provide safe drinking water to 500 million people by 2020. But to overcome a challenge of this scale, we cannot achieve this change alone; we need to work in partnership.”

“At Unilever, we believe that small, everyday actions can add up to a big difference; and that the power of social connections can drive real change around the world. On Facebook, nearly a billion people take small actions every day, they connect to the individuals and organisations that matter most to them and they discover new things through their friends. We want to leverage the power of the social graph and the ripple effects that each person’s actions can create, to inspire and enrol many more to make a difference,” adds Weed.

Initially launched as a beta pilot, Waterworks™ is among the first Timeline applications for charitable giving, connecting Facebook users around the world with real individuals and communities in need. People will be invited to sign up to Waterworks™ and connect the application to their Facebook Timeline. They will partner with a PSI-trained Waterworker and choose a small daily donation – as little as €0.10. Their funds will directly support the water-poor communities, where Waterworkers will provide education about the benefits of clean drinking water and distribute life-saving Pureit water purifiers and sachets to families in need.

“PSI is excited to be working with innovative partners like the Unilever Foundation and Facebook to launch Waterworks™ - a clean water program rooted in community-based knowledge and action,” says Karl Hofmann, President and CEO of PSI. “Our Waterworkers will be women from the communities in which they will work – mothers, sisters, and aunts who will be able to have trusted conversations with their families and friends about health issues that affect the community. Through participation in Waterworks they will gain not only a steady income but also receive training on communication techniques and local health issues, as well as access to clean water for their own families.”

In its initial stage, PSI will train 75 Waterworkers who will educate the neediest people in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India about the need for clean water and its opportunity to improve the health and wellness of their community. They will distribute life-saving Pureit sachets and purifiers to these families.

Each Waterworker will be given a mobile phone, preloaded with a custom Waterworks™ J2ME application that will allow her to take photos and record stories. She will share these updates back to her Partners on Facebook, demonstrating how their funds are making an impact in her community, and inspiring her Partners to continue giving and supporting her work.

Since the Waterworks™ app is "social by design," a community of support will form around each Waterworker, as powerful stories have the opportunity to impact and influence friends and millions of friends of friends. The Waterworks™ application, developed by Betapond, makes it easy for Facebook users to discover the big difference their small donations make. The application makes charitable giving more social, more personal and more relevant. It sends personal notifications to donors, enabling a real connection between an individual Waterworker and the Facebook users who supported her.

“Through Waterworks™, the Unilever Foundation is showing that the right combination of people and technology can lead to social solutions that effectively combat some of the largest and most difficult challenges we face,” said Joanna Shields, VP and Managing Director, EMEA at Facebook. “Unilever is a fantastic, highly innovative partner and we’re excited to help them continue to build their presence on Facebook for both their brands and charitable endeavours. Unilever understands that when people are given the platform to share their experiences and affect change, amazing things can happen.”

[Ends]

www.joinWaterworks.com
www.facebook.com/Waterworks

Notes to Editors

Unilever Foundation

The Unilever Foundation is dedicated to improving quality of life through the provision of hygiene, sanitation, access to clean drinking water, basic nutrition and enhancing self-esteem. The Foundation is one action Unilever is taking to help meet its goal of helping more than 1 billion people improve their health and well-being, and in turn, create a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.unilever.com/foundation.

PSI

PSI is a global non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of people in the developing world by focusing on serious challenges like a lack of family planning, HIV/AIDS, maternal health, and the greatest threats to children under five, including malaria, diarrhoea, pneumonia and malnutrition. www.psi.org
Blog: www.psi.org/HealthyLives

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever and UNICEF partner to help bring sanitation to over 400,000 people

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:06:00 GMT

London/Rotterdam, 18th June 2012. The Unilever Foundation and Domestos have joined forces with UNICEF to support UNICEF’s Community Approaches to Total Sanitation (CATS) programme which aims to help hundreds of thousands of people in need gain improved access to basic sanitation.

The Unilever Foundation is partnering with UNICEF to support UNICEF’s CATS programme as part of the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life through the provision of hygiene, sanitation, access to clean drinking water, basic nutrition and enhancing self-esteem. Additionally, the Foundation is partnering with UNICEF on advocacy and communications and continues to provide support of disaster and emergency relief efforts.
Unilever’s leading toilet hygiene brand, Domestos, is also taking responsibility to improve sanitation around the world and use its global reach to educate consumers about the sanitation crisis through a cause-marketing campaign. Domestos will contribute 5% of its average proceeds* received from the sale of specially marked bottles of Domestos in select countries to support UNICEF’s CATS programmes in South Sudan and Vietnam.

Around the world, poor sanitation remains a major threat to development, impacting countries’ progress in health, education, gender equity, and social and economic development. Today there are still an estimated 2.5 billion people without access to improved sanitation. These people are put at risk of sanitation borne diseases, resulting in millions of deaths each year.

Keith Weed, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Unilever says, “As one of the leading toilet hygiene brands, Domestos has a real commitment to improving sanitation. The brand’s support of UNICEF is just one example of how we are delivering increased social value as part of our growth strategy.”

With support from the Unilever Foundation and Domestos, UNICEF will be able to achieve greater scale and impact in promoting good hygiene practices, helping create demand for access to toilets and raising awareness of the sanitation crisis. Through the support of the Unilever Foundation and Domestos, the partnership with UNICEF will contribute to changing the behaviour of hundreds of thousands of people through sanitation programmes. In this first year, these programmes will result in an estimated 400,000 people living in open defecation free communities across nine countries: Gambia, Ghana, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Sudan, Sudan and Vietnam.

Therese Dooley, UNICEF Senior Sanitation and Hygiene Programme Advisor says, “The contributions of Domestos and the Unilever Foundation will support Community Approaches to Total Sanitation (CATS) programmes in nine countries. Through this partnership, UNICEF will be able to achieve greater scale and impact in changing social norms by explaining the link between open defecation and disease, giving communities the knowledge and motivation to construct and use toilets and creating open defecation free communities.”

In addition to this partnership with UNICEF, Unilever is also proactively addressing the sanitation crisis as part of its commitment to Sustainable Living through partnerships with Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) and the World Toilet Organization (WTO).

Domestos/UNICEF: www.domestosforunicef.com

Unilever Foundation: www.unilever.com/foundation

Notes to Editors

About Unilever

Unilever Foundation

The Unilever Foundation is dedicated to improving quality of life through the provision hygiene, sanitation, access to clean drinking water, basic nutrition and enhancing self-esteem. The Foundation is one action Unilever is taking to help meet its goal of helping more than 1 billion people improve their health and well-being, and in turn, create a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.unilever.com/foundation

Domestos

Domestos is sold in 35 countries around the world and as Unilever’s leading toilet hygiene brand, it has helped protect families from germs for more than 80 years. As such, the brand is uniquely positioned to address the sanitation crisis. Domestos’ commitment to deliver more social value will contribute to a key pillar of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, aiming to help more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, and in turn, create a sustainable future.

*For every Domestos bleach product purchased with a promotional neck hanger/sticker Unilever gives to UNICEF (exchange rate source: UN Treasury, Feb 2012):

During the period 1st July to 31st September 2012:
1. In the UK, 2 pence per bottle. UNICEF UK Registered Charity No: 1072612
2. In the Republic of Ireland, €0.033 per bottle. UNICEF Ireland Registered Charity No: 5616.
3. In Poland, 0,23 Zloty per bottle
During the period 1st June to 31st August 2012
1. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 0,15 Saudi Riyal per bottle
2. In the United Arab Emirates 0,14 United Arab Emirates Dirham per bottle
3. In Vietnam, 1.100 VND per bottle.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and protecting children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org

Ends

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Ben & Jerry’s backs young social entrepreneurs

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:39:00 GMT

Ben & Jerry’s has picked 15 finalists in its competition to find the brightest sustainable business minds in Europe.

Ben & Jerry’s has chosen 15 young entrepreneurs as finalists in its “Join Our Core" competition. After presenting their ideas in London to a panel of ten judges, including Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield, the finalists – hailing from the UK, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark – are set to head to Uganda for the last stage of the competition in August.

In Uganda, the finalists will live and work with Fairtrade vanilla farmers and a group of local aspiring entrepreneurs in partnership with international development charity VSO. Five overall winners will then be chosen, each winning a €10,000 cash prize and business mentoring from social enterprise gurus Ashoka. Their business will feature on a Ben & Jerry’s flavour in 2013.

“I’m thrilled that we can help foster this entrepreneurial spirit for these young businesspeople,” says Ilaria Ida, the brand’s European Social Mission Manager. “I learned a lot from all our hopefuls and was very inspired by their enthusiasm.”

The Join Our Core People’s Choice vote is now open until 29 June. Help pick the five entrepreneurs who will win an additional €1,000 each. Visit the Join Our Core Facebook page to vote.

The finalists are…

Archipelago – a community of young entrepreneurs who help each other build and fund innovative, sustainable companies.

Biochar – a carbon-neutral charcoal substance which enhances the condition of soil and can improve crop yield.

Elevation Networks – a youth employment charity that focuses on finding opportunities and support for under-represented groups of young people.

Elvis and Kresse – fashion and lifestyle accessories made from de-commissioned hoses formerly used by professional firefighters, that are otherwise destined for landfill sites.

Fairmail – greetings cards featuring photos taken by at-risk teenagers in Peru, India and Morocco. The photographers receive 50% of the profit from the sale of their cards.

Foodcycle – bringing volunteers, surplus food and spare kitchen space together to provide nutritious meals for people in need.

Hackney Pirates – giving young people one-to-one educational support in unconventional environments.

!SYOU – trainers designed by local creative talents and produced using locally sourced materials, sold at fair prices with fair returns for everyone involved.

Mattecentrum – providing free maths tutoring for up to 70,000 young people every month, thanks to a network of volunteers.

One For One – for every One For One item sold – from water bottles to health insurance policies – the same is provided to a child in Africa.

Play 31 – bringing communities together to play football while learning about resolving conflicts in a peaceful way.

Retoy – teaching children how to create new toys from old ones, in a bid to turn around the consume-and-discard model.

Rubies in the Rubble – training out-of-work people to make delicious jams and chutneys from surplus fresh fruit sourced from markets before it’s discarded.

Ruby Cup – a reusable silicone menstrual hygiene product for women in developing countries, that can last for ten years.

Superhoney – putting beehives in schools to provide much-needed homes for millions of British bees and teach children about biodiversity.

Read more about the finalists on the Join Our Core website.

Keith Weed named Marketer of the Year

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:25:00 GMT

13/06/12 - Unilever’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer has been presented with the Marketing Society’s prestigious award

Recognising individual achievements

On 11 June, Unilever’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Keith Weed, was named Marketer of the Year at the Marketing Society Awards for Excellence. The awards are judged by a panel of top marketing practitioners, and the Marketer of the Year accolade recognises one individual for their specific achievements and contribution to the industry over the past year.

Setting the standard

In a closely fought contest, Keith stood out for being the ‘driving force’ behind Unilever’s ambitious sustainability plans and for championing the philosophy that brands should build corporate social responsibility (CSR) into all their working practices rather than relying on stand-alone departments. According to the judging panel, Keith has set the standard for CSR, not just in the UK, but across the globe.

Crafting Brands for Life

The judges also referred to Unilever’s plan to take a ‘more magic, less logic’ approach to marketing – in reference to the company’s new marketing strategy Crafting Brands for Life, which strives to ‘Unlock the Magic’, as well as ‘Build Brand Love’ and ‘Put People First’.

One of the aims of the new strategy is to encourage marketers to take calculated risks and back creative ideas. The judges’ citation mentioned that, “At a time when many marketers have complained privately that the industry is becoming too focused on meaningless metrics at the expense of creativity, Keith’s vision has resonated strongly among fellow marketers.”

Influencing the industry

The Marketing Society is a not-for-profit organisation owned by its 2,600 members, all of whom are senior marketers. Over the past 50 years it has emerged as one of the most influential drivers of marketing in the UK business community and its annual Awards for Excellence are recognised as the industry’s most coveted.

Unilever CEO Paul Polman: R&D critical to driving behaviour change

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:01:00 GMT

Unilever brings together behaviour change experts at new Vlaardingen symposium.

Science and innovation will be instrumental in helping people to change towards more sustainable lifestyles, Unilever CEO Paul Polman said in a speech today.

Introducing the Symposium on Behaviour Change for Better Health in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, Polman said that Research & Development has a major role to play in deepening companies' understanding of consumer behaviour, and designing the solutions which encourage them to adopt more sustainable habits - in both developed and developing & emerging markets.

Overcoming the challenge of consumer behaviour change is a key focus for Unilever in its efforts to deliver the targets set in the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, which outlines the company's vision to double the size of its business while reducing its environmental impact and increasing its positive social impact.

Under the plan, Unilever has committed to help a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, halve the environmental footprint of its products across their entire value chain, and source 100% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably - all by 2020.

With consumers' use of Unilever products accounting for 68 per cent of the company's carbon footprint, breakthrough science will act as “a critical catalyst and enabler of behaviour change” to help Unilever meet its targets.

“If we are going to halve our environmental impact and help a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, we have to inspire consumers to choose more sustainable products and adopt more sustainable habits when they cook, clean and wash with our products,” said Polman.

“We know that if our scientific understanding of behaviour change is applied rigorously, behaviour change is possible. Superior products, new technologies and compelling ways of deploying behaviour change programmes are some of the ways we have learnt to use science and innovation to inspire change amongst shoppers, individuals and even households.

“We see this in play everyday – from the person at risk of cardiovascular disease who is using plant based margarines to reduce their saturated fat intake to school children who want to share what they have learnt about washing hands with soap with their family.”

“Changing behaviour is going to require further new approaches, and science and innovation will be critical in helping people to change towards a more sustainable, healthier lifestyle. We need to take on the challenge of applying the best of our scientific and technological advancements and using them to work towards a sustainable future. This is something that requires a long term-committed investment and widespread collaboration.”

In April 2012, Unilever reported on its first year of progress towards achieving its USLP targets. Whilst there has been good progress in some areas, such as in sustainable sourcing where 24% of Unilever’s total agricultural raw materials are now sustainably sourced, the targets which require consumer behaviour change are areas where progress has been difficult.

Last year Unilever published its own model for effective behaviour change, the Five Levers for Change. This offers a practical tool based on decades of research, observation and skill from inside and outside Unilever. The document emphasises that to action change in behaviour it is necessary to make it understood, easy, desirable, rewarding, and habitual.

Pro-democracy leader visits Unilever Thailand

Thu, 31 May 2012 17:52:00 GMT

31/05/12 - Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar and Nobel Peace Prize winner, visited Unilever Thailand’s Minburi factory.

A historic moment for Unilever

31 May 2012: Unilever marked a significant moment in its history on 30 May when pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi visited Unilever Thailand’s Minburi factory as part of her first overseas visit in 24 years. After arriving in Bangkok to attend the World Economic Forum East Asia, she was keen to speak to her Chairman of Thailand and Indochina to welcome her to Unilever.

“Aung San Suu Kyi showed deep commitment to sustainable development and we took the opportunity of the visit to present the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan to her along with our sustainability agenda for the region. She was very supportive of our plans,” says Harish.

Echoing these words, Bauke said, “It is a tremendous endorsement for Unilever’s sustainability agenda to have Aung San Suu Kyi, accept our invitation to visit the Minburi factory on her first trip overseas in 24 years.”

Future plans in Myanmar

Unilever resumed its distribution operation in Myanmar in 2010, and has set up a representative office. There are also plans to also establish a local company this year.

Given the challenges of development in Myanmar, especially in the area of health and hygiene, the company will kick-start its local operations by partnering with UNICEF on a handwash and oral hygiene campaign.

Following the meeting, Aung San Suu Kyi took a tour of the Minburi factory which is not only a global sourcing unit but also rated as one of the top five best manufacturing sites in Unilever.

The culmination of the visit was her ‘town hall’ with Unilever’s Myanmar workers. In her conversation with them, she stressed the need for creating local livelihoods in Myanmar, so that the talent pool of overseas Myanmar workers could go back and contribute to the much-needed development of their country.

Creating a real sense of excitement, one of the workers summed up the feeling very well at the end: “I had to cry out loud and feel so touched seeing her here. She is my hope for Myanmar.”

Unilever Supply Chain breaks into world top 10

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:14:00 GMT

London/Rotterdam, 22nd May 2012: Unilever achieved 10th place in the 2012 Gartner Supply Chain Top 25, announced today. The result is Unilever’s best-ever performance in the index and an improvement of five places compared with 2011.

The Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 recognises the world’s leading supply chains across all industries. The Top 25 companies were selected from a total of more than 298 companies assessed by Gartner analysts. Unilever was the top European-headquartered company to feature in the list and was rated third among FMCG companies.

Unilever's recognition in the Gartner ranking reflects the strategic role of its supply chain in achieving the organisation’s ambition to double the size of its business whilst reducing its environmental impact. During the past three years, Unilever’s supply chain has been instrumental in enabling top line growth, enhancing the quality of its products whilst driving significant savings and trade working capital excellence. By partnering with its suppliers, Unilever has achieved important milestones at the core of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.

Pier Luigi Sigismondi, Chief Supply Chain Officer, said: “We are delighted to be recognized amongst the top ten best supply chains in the world. Our supply chain represents the backbone of Unilever’s success and it is making the difference to our business thanks to our unique blend of global scale and local agility, combined with our focus on speed in execution. We have created a talent powerhouse that has secured us a podium finish among FMCG companies.”

Ends

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Annual General Meeting Rotterdam, all resolutions approved

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:11:00 GMT

Rotterdam, 9 May 2012 - Unilever N.V. shareholders today approved all resolutions put to the annual general meeting in Rotterdam. Voting was by poll on each resolution and the results are set out below.

Board appointments

All continuing directors stood for election and were duly re-appointed. These were Paul Polman, Jean-Marc Huët, Louise Fresco, Ann Fudge, Charles Golden, Byron Grote, Sunil B Mittal, Hixonia Nyasulu, The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP, Kees Storm, Michael Treschow and Paul Walsh.

Poll Results Annual General Meeting 2012

Resolution	For	Against	Vote withheld	Issued share capital present
2. Adoption Annual Accounts and appropriation of the profit for the 2011 financial year	1,840,014,288	174,516	175,183	1,840,373,691
3. Discharge Executive Directors	1,817,274,381	14,348,705	8,740,799	1,840,373,691
4. Discharge Non-Executive Directors	1,817,251,224	14,350,943	8,747,823	1,840,373,691
5. Re-appointment Paul Polman	1,839,781,633	369,157	213,739	1,840,373,691
6. Re-appointment Jean Marc-Huët	1,838,535,251	1,532,678	289,309	1,840,373,691
7. Re-appointment Louise Fresco	1,839,718,343	340,979	287,364	1,840,373,691
8. Re-appointment Ann Fudge	1,837,225,723	2,841,122	288,255	1,840,373,691
9. Re-appointment Charles Golden	1,839,327,288	320,334	700,922	1,840,373,691
10. Re-appointment Byron Grote	1,839,532,437	316,909	299,146	1,840,373,691
11. Re-appointment Sunil B Mittal	1,839,532,437	3,868,490	699,953	1,840,373,691
12. Re-appointment Hixonia Nyasulu	1,839,374,076	678,175	296,190	1,840,373,691
13. Re-appointment The Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP	1,839,511,613	350,343	486,555	1,840,373,691
14. Re-appointment Kees Storm	1,831,031,923	9,028,432	288,208	1,840,373,691
15. Re-appointment Michael Treshcow	1,837,504,509	2,556,837	284,610	1,840,373,691
16. Re-appointment Paul Walsh	1,746,941,443	93,115,317	291,803	1,840,373,691
17. Amendment of the Company's Articles of Association	1,839,127,823	496,652	728,016	1,840,373,691
18.Authorisation of the Board to purchase ordinary shares and depositary receipts thereof	1,827,838,768	11,317,393	1,189,419	1,840,373,691
19. Capital reduction with respect to shares and depositary receipts thereof	1,839,180,057	485,565	680,569	1,840,373,691
20. Designation of the Board as the company body authorised to issue shares in the Company	1,704,940,989	133,005,233	2,399,186	1,840,373,691
21. Appointment of Auditors charged with the auditing of the Annual Accounts for the 2012 financial year	1,827,201,664	9,050,072	4,097,983	1,840,373,691

The shares represented were good for 1,840,373,691 votes, which is 82.52% of our issued share capital.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as 'expects', 'anticipates', 'intends', 'believes' or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group's filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever’s Q1 2012 trading statement released today

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:00:10 GMT

Unilever’s trading statement for the first quarter 2012 is out today.

Unilever today announced financial results for the first quarter 2012.

Full details can be found on Unilever.com/investorrelations

Unilever shows solid progress in first quarter 2012

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:00:10 GMT

Strong growth in a difficult economic environment

Today (26 April), Unilever released its results for the first quarter 2012. A good start to the year underlines the progress that has been made in transforming Unilever into a sustainable growth company.

Highlights

Turnover increased by 11.9% to €12.1 billion
Underlying sales growth* was 8.4% with emerging markets up 11.9% and developed markets up 4.2%; all categories contributing to growth
Underlying volume growth was 3.5%, with pricing up 4.7%
Quarterly dividend up 8% to €0.243

The first quarter results reflect solid performance in challenging market conditions. Despite sluggish economies, weak consumer confidence in many markets and sustained levels of competitive intensity, all of our Categories grew strongly with a positive contribution from volume. Commenting on the company’s performance, CEO Paul Polman said: “Emerging markets, now 56% of the business, have again delivered strong growth and while the good performance in developed markets was against a weak prior year comparator, our performance is pleasing given struggling economies, continued fragile consumer confidence and competitor activity.”

Personal Care

In Skin Cleansing we grew ahead of our markets with Dove reflecting the continuing success of Dove Nutrium Moisture shower gels and the roll-out of Dove Men+Care. Lifebuoy also progressed strongly, helped by the ’10 seconds germ-kill’ campaign and the introduction of Lifebuoy Clini-Care10 in India. Radox performed well in the UK, and the launch of Simple in the US along with a strong performance from Fair & Lovely also helped drive growth. Vaseline performed well, continuing to benefit from the Essential Moisture hand & body range which is now in 14 markets.

Hair benefited from the roll-out of our brands into new markets and strong innovation performance. TRESemmé growth is being driven by the success of the launch in Brazil and the new split ends range. Dove Damage Therapy continues to perform well and the premium Style and Care styling range has just been introduced in the US. Clear is growing rapidly across Asia and Latin America and Axe hair is now being rolled out across Europe with good initial acceptance.

Deodorants performed well, driven by our market development activities in emerging markets, with Dove growing double digit reflecting success in both the male and female markets. Rexona Maximum Protection is being rolled out to new markets and Axe Anarchy is performing strongly. Oral growth was driven by market development activities and trading up through premium innovations, such as the recent introduction of Signal Sensitive Expert in France.

Foods

Growth in the Savoury category reflected the continued success of the Knorr baking bags and the extension of the jelly bouillon technology into gravy. Our Knorr ‘Side-Kicks’ range is performing well in the US and we have launched Knorr Rice-Mate in the Philippines.

Spreads and Dressings both grew strongly. The new Flora margarine made with cool-blend technology is now being rolled out across Europe. Liquid margarine ranges are doing well and the growth of the Hellmann’s brand continues to be driven by the campaign to encourage new uses of mayonnaise.

Home Care

Robust laundry growth reflects the ongoing focus on improving the quality of our products, impactful advertising and sustained delivery from our key innovations, such as Omo with built-in pre-treaters. White space launches also contributed with successful launches of Comfort fabric conditioners in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Philippines.

Household cleaners benefited from the rapid growth of Sunlight hand dishwash products in South Asia and South East Asia, the success of the Domestos Toilet System range and the introduction of Domestos in Argentina, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and of Cif in China.

Refreshment

Ice cream growth was helped by the successful launches of Magnum in North America, Malaysia and the Philippines and the introduction of the Magnum Infinity range in Europe. The earlier seasonal pipeline fill in Europe accompanied a good sell-in for Cornetto Devils & Angels and Cornetto Enigma Cookie.

Beverages growth was slower. In Brazil we saw weak volumes in soy beverages following recent significant price increases. However, the recently relaunched Lipton brand is performing well in Russia and we have just started shipments of Lipton Tea & Honey in the US.

Go to the Investor Centre to read the full first quarter 2012 Trading Statement. Download the Unilever Investor Relations iPhone and iPad app for further information. Find out more on Unilever in the About Us section of this website.

*Underlying sales growth is calculated by excluding the effect of acquisitions, disposals and currency movements.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever reports on first year’s progress against ground-breaking sustainable living plan targets

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:10 GMT

London, 24 April 2012 – Unilever has published a report on the progress it is making towards meeting its Unilever Sustainable Living Plan targets.

Unilever reports on first year’s progress against ground-breaking sustainable living plan targets.

Sustainable palm oil target to be reached three years ahead of schedule
New goal announced to buy 100% palm oil from certified traceable sources by 2020
Advanced discussions with Indonesian government for investing over €100m in plant to help achieve new target

The plan, published in November 2010, broke new ground by committing to take responsibility for the company’s impacts right across the value chain, from the sourcing of raw materials all the way through to the consumer’s use of its products to cook, clean and wash.

As part of the update, Unilever announced that by the end of 2012 it will reach its target of 100% certified sustainable palm oil covered by Green Palm Certificates, a full three years ahead of schedule. Whilst this is strong progress, the company recognises that the Green Palm Scheme is only a step along the road towards sustainable palm oil, not the end game. Although it will be even more difficult to achieve, Unilever has now set a new target of purchasing all its palm oil from traceable sources by 2020. This means it will be able to track all the certified oil it buys back to the plantation on which it was originally grown.

To help achieve this goal, it announced that it is in advanced stages of discussions with the Indonesian government for investing over €100m in a large processing plant for palm oil derivatives in Sumatra. This plant will not only cut back on transport and save money but it will make it easier to trace the sources of the palm oil used.

Unilever’s performance against its sustainable living plan targets fall into three categories:

1. Areas where we are making genuinely good progress, such as:

Sustainable sourcing – 24% of total agricultural raw materials now being sourced sustainably, versus 14% in 2010.
Nutrition – over 90% of Unilever’s leading spreads now contain less than one-third saturated fat.
Renewable energy now contributes 20% of Unilever’s total energy use. 100% of electricity purchased in Europe is now from renewable sources, and we have increased our use of biomass to fuel boilers in India and China.
Safe drinking water – 35 million people have gained access to safe drinking water from Pureit water purifier since 2005.

2. Areas where we have had to consider carefully how to reach our targets, but are now ready to scale up. These include health and hygiene:

Lifebuoy soap’s hand washing programme reached 48 million people by the end of 2011, and new partnerships such as our ‘train the trainer’ approach in Indonesia will help us to go to the next level.

3. Areas where we are finding it difficult to make progress and will need to work with others to find solutions. This applies particularly to targets that require consumer behaviour change, such as reducing the use of heated water in showering and washing clothes, or encouraging people to eat foods with lower salt levels.

Unilever CEO, Paul Polman said:

“In a world where temperatures are rising, energy is costing more, sanitation is worsening and food supply is less secure, companies can no longer sit on the sidelines waiting for governments to take action. We have to see ourselves as part of the solution to these problems. In Unilever, we believe that our future success depends upon being able to decouple our growth from our environmental footprint, while at the same time increasing our positive social impacts.

“Many of our goals look as daunting now as they did when we announced them, but you have to set uncomfortable targets if you are to really change things. Sustainable growth will be the only acceptable model of growth in the future, which is why we have put the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan at the heart of our business strategy. And far from being a hindrance to our progress, we are now seeing increasing evidence that it can drive business growth. Unilever grew well in 2011, but what is encouraging is that the brands which put sustainability at the centre of their propositions, like Lifebuoy soap or Persil/Omo Small & Mighty, grew faster than the average.

“It is also becoming ever clearer that we cannot tackle the big issues alone: much of our progress to date has come where we have worked with others. And at the end of the day, if we achieve our own sustainability targets but no one else follows, we will not have been truly successful. For that reason we are working with other organizations such as the Consumer Goods Forum, World Economic Forum, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, governments, NGOs and others to drive change. At Unilever we believe collaboration will become the only way of doing business in the future.”

For more information and the full first year progress report, please visit www.unilever.com/sustainable-living

Unilever Sustainable Living Plan

In November 2010 the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan was launched. Unilever publicly committed to a ten year journey towards sustainable growth, with around 60 specific targets embedding this new thinking into our business. What makes the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan different is that it applies right across the value chain. Unilever is taking responsibility not just for its own direct operations but for their suppliers, distributors and – crucially – for how consumers use brands like Dove, Knorr, Lipton, Lifebuoy and Pureit.

The plan sets out that by 2020 Unilever will:

help more than one billion people improve their health and well-being
halve the environmental footprint of the making and use of our products
source 100% of our agricultural raw materials sustainably

Unilever joint sector leader in 2011 Forest Footprint Disclosure Annual Review

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:32:00 GMT

Feb 2012 - Unilever’s efforts towards creating sustainable supply chains for palm oil, paper and board, and soy have been recognised in the Forest Footprint Disclosure’s (FFD) third Annual Review.

Raising the bar

In 2011, 87 companies responded to the FFD’s annual Disclosure Request, up from 35 in 2010. FFD named Unilever, along with Nestlé, joint leader of the Food Products and Soft Drinks sector in its 2011 Annual Review which includes the results of its analysis of companies’ responses.

The Review highlighted how the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan is raising the bar for others to follow, with its commitment to sourcing 100% of agricultural raw materials sustainably.

“The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan commits us to halve the greenhouse impacts of our products by 2020. Since deforestation is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is critical that we eliminate any trace of deforestation from our supply chain. Surveys such as the Forest Footprint Disclosure Project give us an objective assessment of how our management of this complex issue compares with our peers,” said Gavin Neath, SVP Sustainability at Unilever.

FFD called on more global trading companies to respond to the Disclosure Request in its analysis of the Food Products and Soft Drinks sector, adding that companies across the full value chain need to address the current challenges of global food security, increasing consumption and the effect of climate change on food production.

About the FFD

Initiated in 2008, the FFD engages with private sector companies on behalf of more than 70 financial institutions who manage over $7 trillion in assets. Its annual Disclosure Request asks companies to disclose their current understanding of their ‘forest footprint’ based on their exposure to five key commodities - soy, palm oil, timber, cattle products and biofuels - in their operations and/or supply chains. Investors use the results to benchmark companies for investment decisions, assess the quality of their supply chain management and identify best practice.

See related links to find out more about the FFD and read its third Annual Review.

February 2012: Unilever joint sector leader in 2011 Forest Footprint Disclosure Annual Review

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:20:48 GMT

Unilever’s efforts towards creating sustainable supply chains for palm oil, paper and board, and soy have been recognised in the Forest Footprint Disclosure’s (FFD) third Annual Review.

Rasing the bar

The Review highlighted how the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan is raising the bar for others to follow, with its commitment to sourcing 100% of agricultural raw materials sustainably.

About the FFD

See related links to find out more about the FFD and read its third Annual Review.

Unilever launches Global Foundation

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:30:00 GMT

Partnership with five global organisations to deliver sustainable change worldwide launched today at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

London/Rotterdam/Davos 27/01/2012: Unilever today announced the launch of The Unilever Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life through the provision of hygiene, sanitation, access to clean drinking water, basic nutrition, and enhancing self-esteem.

To help achieve the Foundation’s mission, Unilever has formed partnerships with five leading global organizations that are committed to creating sustainable change worldwide: Oxfam, PSI, Save the Children, UNICEF and the World Food Programme.

The Unilever Foundation is a key action that Unilever is taking to help achieve its goal of helping more than one billion people improve their health and well-being, and in turn, create a sustainable future.

“We live in a rapidly changing world. One where populations are growing, water is becoming increasingly scarce, and where food security is a growing issue. Unilever is committed to addressing the unmet social needs that our business can play a unique role in helping to solve. This is especially true in developing and emerging markets where we have deep roots,” said Keith Weed, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Unilever.

“We aim to double the size of our business while reducing our environmental impact and deliver increased social value. Together with our partners, we will deliver life-saving solutions as we work toward achieving these ambitious goals,” he added.

The challenges of the 21st century are increasingly complex:

Over 1 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water.
More than 3.5 million children under 5 die annually from diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections.
One child dies every four seconds from preventable and treatable diseases.
2.6 billion people lack access to improved sanitation.
An estimated 925 million people suffer from chronic hunger.

“Two billion times a day, somebody, somewhere, uses a Unilever brand. Our global reach and scale, coupled with a deep understanding of what triggers consumer behaviours that can lead to a sustainable future, uniquely enable us to drive long-term scalable and systemic change,” added Weed.

The Unilever Foundation will be working with its Global partners on a number of life-saving initiatives:

The Unilever Foundation’s partnership with Oxfam will improve lives around the world through programmes designed to empower individuals and deliver good nutrition and clean, safe drinking water. According to Barbara Stocking, Oxfam Chief Executive, “Unilever and Oxfam have been working together across the world for quite a number of years so we are pleased to be working with Unilever with the new Foundation as it is set up. The first way that we are going to work together is in the UK, providing food parcels to the very poorest people and helping them move from surviving to thriving. We are looking forward to extending that worldwide, focusing on two pillars core to Oxfam’s work on tackling poverty and inequality – the rights of women and access to clean drinking water.”
In supporting PSI, the Unilever Foundation is making a tangible contribution to improving the health of children and families through delivering behavioural change interventions focused on hand washing, clean drinking water and sanitation. "The launch of the Unilever Foundation represents the best of what is possible in Davos," said Karl Hofmann, President and CEO of PSI. "By pooling ideas and resources, private companies and health organizations can improve the health of millions of children and families worldwide. PSI is excited to be working with Unilever, a company that recognizes - and values - the economic impact of good health."
The Unilever Foundation is working with Save the Children to save and improve the lives of children around the world. This will involve improving access to health workers and life-saving vaccines, and ensuring more children and mothers are reached with high-impact health and nutrition programmes. The partnership will also provide a platform to catalyse a global movement and generate the public and political will for a global breakthrough on child survival. Jasmine Whitbread, Chief Executive of Save the Children International, said "Save the Children is proud to be selected as a partner for the Unilever Foundation. This partnership will help us to deliver transformational change to millions of children's lives around the world through our EVERY ONE campaign. Each year 7.6 million children die needlessly of preventable illnesses. The support from Unilever will bring us a step closer to ensuring that a health worker is within reach of every child, life-saving vaccines are available for all, and children have enough food to grow up healthy. Combining our global reach and joint mbition - we can give children the chance to fulfil their potential."
The Unilever Foundation and UNICEF are partnering to improve sanitation in developing countries through UNICEF’s Community Approaches to Total Sanitation (‘CATS’) initiative, a behaviour change program that promotes good hygiene practices, helps create demand for access to toilets, and raises awareness of the sanitation crisis. “By investing with communities in sanitation, this partnership is helping us break one of the last taboos in public health – open defecation – and demonstrating real leadership for the private sector,” said Anthony Lake, UNICEF’s Executive Director. “Improved sanitation could prevent the deaths of over one million children each year so these investments have enormous potential for the future health and strength of their societies.”
The Unilever Foundation is also partnering with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Project Laser Beam, a public-private partnership that aims to create a scalable and sustainable model to improve nutrition, health, and livelihoods in Bangladesh and Indonesia. “With millions of children around the world suffering from malnutrition, there has never been a better time to take action on this truly solvable problem,” said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran. “Project Laser Beam is investing in the next generation by ensuring that our children grow up healthy and strong. The knowledge and expertise of partners like the Unilever Foundation help make this goal a reality.”

Additionally, the Unilever Foundation is also working with other organizations worldwide by providing a combination of direct funding, expertise, products and employee support that help to help address country-specific needs primarily aligned with the Foundation’s mission.

ENDS

About the Unilever Foundation Partners

Oxfam

Oxfam is a global humanitarian, development and campaigning organisation working with others to overcome poverty and suffering. Since its Oxford-based beginnings in 1942, it has grown into a worldwide force. Oxfam is now working in nearly 60 countries on a diverse range of projects, from providing emergency water sources to supporting community health projects.

Oxfam has one million supporters in the UK. For every £1 donated to its general funds, 83p is spent on emergency, development and campaigning work, 10p is spent on support and governance and 7p is invested to generate future income. Oxfam has more than 700 high street shops across the UK selling donated fashion, books, music, homewares and new ethical products. It is supported by a workforce of 22,000 volunteers. Oxfam also launched the UK’s first online charity shop in 2007.

Oxfam GB is affiliated to Oxfam International, a global confederation of 15 independent Oxfams which share the same purpose. Visit www.oxfam.org.uk

PSI

UNICEF

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org

Save the Children

Save the Children works in more than 120 countries. We save children's lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfill their potential. For more information visit: www.savethechildren.org.uk

World Food Programme

WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting malnutrition and hunger worldwide. Each year, on average WFP feeds more than 90 million people in more than 70 countries. WFP has prioritized reaching children in the first 1000 days, when their brains and bodies are subject to permanent stunting due to a lack of micronutrients. WFP procures 80 percent of food and nutrition supplies it purchases from the developing world. WFP now provides RSS feeds to help journalists keep up with the latest press releases, videos and photos as they are published on WFP.org. For more details see www.wfp.org/rss

For additional information, please contact:

Kate Redman
Save the Children
+44 (0) 78999 02886
+33 (0) 60 204 9345
k.redman@savethechildren.org.uk

Leona Everitt
Oxfam
+44 (0)1865 472498
leveritt@oxfam.org.uk

Marshall Stowell
PSI
+1 202 785 0072
mstowell@psi.org

Larissa Schlotterbeck
UNICEF
Ph: +41 22 909 5477
lschlotterbeck@unicef.org

Molly Slotznick
UN World Food Programme
Ph: +39 06 65 13 3873
Mob: +39 345 644 3105
Molly.slotznick@wfp.org

Axe launches its fragrance for women

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:43:00 GMT

25/01/12 - Axe is launching a new fragrance – Anarchy – which will be marketed in different versions for men and women.

Axe anarchy

Since Axe was first launched in 1983, it has been targeted at young men. But now the brand is introducing a new fragrance – Anarchy – which will be marketed in different versions for men and women.

The Anarchy women’s variant is being released as a limited edition.

Consumers involved in marketing

A TV ad campaign using the strapline ‘Unleash the chaos’ is scheduled to begin running in North America, Latin America and Europe at the end of January, supported by digital and outdoor activity.

A teaser campaign called ‘Axe: Anarchy is coming’ launched online at the start of the month. This includes a graphic novel created with consumers’ suggestions incorporated into the plotline, and with some fans being depicted in the comic.

Most original campaign ever

Global Brand Manager Ali Kashani explains why the team came up with the concept behind the launch: “To build Axe's iconic brand status, we have to surprise young people again and again. This is possibly the most original Axe campaign ever. With a fragrance that’s also for girls, the idea is that we will generate so much attraction it will turn into chaos.”

Female Facebook fans

Ali adds: “This story resonates with the real life of young people where both guys and girls are actively involved in the mating game.” This is backed up by the fact that, of Axe’s 2.3 million ‘likes’ on Facebook in North America, about a quarter are by women. Axe has over 10 million Facebook fans worldwide.

Global roll-out

Following the launch, Anarchy will be rolled out in more than 80 countries. Axe – known as Lynx in the UK – is one of Unilever’s most global brands and the biggest male deodorant brand in the world. Axe/Lynx has become famous for its witty commercials about attraction.

Timotei launches first certified organic range, free from parabens, colourants and sulphates

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:54:00 GMT

13/01/12: Timotei has long been renowned for its natural credentials. Now forty years after the launch of its natural herb extract shampoo, it’s introducing the first certified organic range from a prominent mass-market brand.

Timotei Organic Delight is free from parabens, silicones, colourants and sulphates, and contains 100% natural fragrances and 99% natural ingredients.

Up to 15% of these ingredients are from certified organic farms, enabling Unilever to secure certification from Ecocert*. This confirms the shampoo conforms to the COSMEBIO** charter, guaranteeing consumers the most authentic organic products.

Organic extracts for normal & dry hair

The new range includes two shampoos. A version for normal hair is infused with organic green tea leaf extracts to leave hair feeling weightless and hydrated.

And an option for dry and damaged hair includes extracts of Brazilian nut oil, to nourish and soften hair.

Taking naturals to the next level

“True to Timotei’s heritage and roots, but fresh, modern and distinctive, Timotei Organic Delight takes naturals to the next level,” says Senior Marketing Manager Kim Duchayssoy.

Timotei Organic Delight launched nationwide in France and in Rossman drugstores in Poland in December 2011. It’s set to reach further countries across Europe in 2012.

* Ecocert

An inspection and certification body established in France in 1991 by agronomists aware of the need to develop environmentally friendly agriculture and the importance of recognising businesses committed to this method of production.

** COSMEBIO

A French not-for-profit professional association for ecological and organic cosmetics. Founded in 2002, it represents more than 300 French and foreign members including ingredients suppliers, manufacturers and retailers.

Shower study could help cut waste

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:41:00 GMT

09/01/12: New study shows a shower can use more water and energy than a bath

Unilever shower study reveals bathroom habits

An eight minute power shower can use twice as much water and energy as an average bath, according to a new study by Unilever UK and Ireland into showering habits.

The information – from 2,600 showers by 100 families over ten days – shows that the average shower lasts eight minutes, much longer than previous studies suggested.

The results will enable scientists to design ways for people to save money by conserving energy and water.

According to the data, an eight-minute shower uses 62 litres of hot water compared with an average bath’s 80 litres.

With a power shower – an appliance that adds extra pressure to the water flow – the eight-minute shower would require twice as much water and energy as a bath.

Saving money

The survey suggested that taking eight-minute showers costs an average UK family £416 (€484) a year; using a power shower increases the bill to £918 (€1,068).

“Around 95% of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our shampoos, soaps and shower gels come from consumers using hot water, especially in showers,” said Hilde Hendrickx, an R&D behavioural scientist.

“We have a responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of our products but first we need to build an accurate picture of how people shower.”

The study revealed that boys aged 12 and under spend longer than anyone else in the shower, around ten minutes on average. It also showed that men and women spend a similar amount of time but women undertake multiple activities such as cleaning their teeth, while men just seem to enjoy the experience.

Previous research that asked households to complete questionnaires was inaccurate because most people aren’t very good at estimating time taken to do a particular activity.

Catalysts for changing consumer behaviour

This study used an innovative sensor developed at Port Sunlight to record when the shower was in use – by picking up the noise of the water running through the pipe – and changes in temperature. Researchers could then extract information about people’s behaviour from the raw data.

Hilde added: “The study will help us understand what some of the catalysts are for changing consumer behaviour and enable our scientists to design new products and other solutions to deliver savings in energy, water and money.”

How to save energy, water & money today

Check your water temperature (ideally it should be 55–60 degrees Celsius)
Install a low-flow shower head
Turn the shower off while applying shampoo, conditioner or soap
Try out the ‘Shower Ballad’ Facebook application
Check if your water company gives away free shower timers

Unilever’s new Durban plant a model of sustainable savoury dry food production

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:45:00 GMT

Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Rob Davies, today officially opened Unilever’s R670-million state of the art savoury foods plant at Riverhorse Valley in Durban, and endorsed it as one of the largest private investments in South Africa since the 2010 World Cup.

The new plant is named Indonsa, meaning “Morning Star” in IsiZulu, and produces renowned brands such as Knorr, Robertson’s, Knorrox, Aromat and Rajah. It is in start-up phase and will be in full production by the first quarter of next year.

The Indonsa plant has the ability to become the biggest dry food site in Unilever world-wide. It has been designed to produce 65 000 tonnes of product per year and has an expansion capability of up to 100 000 tonnes. The 22 000 square metre factory is equivalent to three soccer fields and is situated on 78 000 square metres of land.

Minister Davies said the investment resonates well with the objectives and priorities of South Africa’s Industry Policy Action Plan (IPAP).

”It is also the first major green field investment since the World Cup, giving a boost to manufacturing investment, production and building local capacity for such products. Such investments confirm that South Africa is indeed a preferred destination for investment.”

Davies added that investments such as Indonsa clearly demonstrate the confidence in South Africa as an investment destination and our manufacturing capability.

“Our National Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF) has confirmed that government sees the manufacturing sector continuing to play a pivotal role in ensuring that South Africa achieves higher rates of economic growth that we need. Unilever has been a critical part of the process and we look forward to it continuing to play a role in ensuring that South Africa becomes an even more globally competitive manufacturing location, especially through increased investment in modern plant and energy efficiency, as well as skills development” he added.

Indonsa is a global first for the group in terms of advancing its focus on advanced sustainable “green” technology. It is Unilever’s second largest plant in the world and its 5th plant in South Africa. Globally Unilever operates 250 plants selling about 170 billion products in 180 countries annually.

The global Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) and local chapter, aim to reduce the environmental impact of its entire products by 50%, source 100% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably, and assist a billion people to improve their wellbeing and general health. Indonsa is an example of the USLP delivered in practice.

“The advanced technology in operation at Indonsa sets new global standards in responsible and sustainable dry food production. It embodies our resolve to simultaneously improve the lives of people and to entrench respect for the environment,” said chairman for Unilever South Africa, Marijn van Tiggelen.

He added that Unilever viewed sustainability as a strategic economic and business imperative and vital element of its vision. “For us sustainability now implies responsibility, integrity and moral obligation,” he said. In line with this, the group plans to redress the needs and priorities of South Africa, while contributing to its global targets through its operations and brands.

According to Unilever’s chief supply chain officer, Pier-Luigi Sigismondi, the group aims to globally reduce CO2 emissions from manufacturing and logistics by over 40% by 2020 from its 1995 baseline, at a rate of almost 5% a year.

“It is imperative for Unilever to respond positively to growing global demand for sustainably sourced products. We will continuously reduce our impact across the entire lifecycle of our products and intensify the advancement of new technologies such as used here at Indonsa to achieve our global sustainability objectives,” Sigismondi said.

Carbon reduction is achieved by using energy efficiently controlled zoned lighting throughout the plant, while innovative insulation methods reduce heat loads from the sun to minimise air conditioning requirements.

Super-efficient motors drive mixers and air compressors, reducing energy requirement levels substantially.

Rain falling on the 22 000 square meter roof is channelled into a 1,5 million litre tank, treated and added to recycled water. The application of smart water efficiency technology virtually eliminates municipal supply, enabling the recovery of 70% of all water used in production phases.

Other examples of water saving include capturing and treating condensate from air-conditioning, and using it to clean toilets. All process and shower water is recycled via biological and reverse osmosis treatment.

Indonsa’s solid waste is recycled to levels where nothing goes to landfill. This achieved by using recoverable packaging materials. Product waste will be designated for composting in local gardens that support poor communities, while excess is converted by a waste energy plant and the resultant energy is fed back into the national energy grid.

Unilever directly employs 2 700 people full time in South Africa. Head office is in Durban with manufacturing plants in Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Boksburg. It currently has a level 6 BBBEE rating and in 2011 was ranked as one of the country’s best employers, best FMCG employer and best large sized employer. For further information, visit: www.unilever.co.za

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Unilever tops Climate Counts Company Scorecard

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:44:00 GMT

08/12/11 - Unilever has topped this year’s Climate Counts Company Scorecard, a global league table which rates businesses on their environmental initiatives.

Top performer in sustainability ranking

This is the first time Unilever has led the poll, tipping Nike from the top spot – a position it has held for the past three years.

"Unilever is delighted to have emerged as the top performer in the Climate Counts company ranking for 2011,” said Gavin Neath, Senior Vice President, Sustainability.

"The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan forms the basis of our sustainable growth model, and commits us to reducing dramatically the water, waste and greenhouse gases generated by our factories, halving the overall environmental impact of our products.

"We are making solid progress towards these goals, and attaining the standard of excellence set by Climate Counts is an important indication of how we rate with respect to our peers."

Identifying opportunities to reduce emissions

Climate Change Project Director Mike Bellamente added: "We’re witnessing a remarkable shift across the corporate community. As risks associated with climate change continue to grow, sustainability has gone from being a buzz word to a concept embraced at the highest levels of business."

The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan was hailed by Climate Counts for enabling Unilever to identify every opportunity to increase efficiency and reduce emissions.

Climate Counts scores the largest companies (by revenue) in 16 industry sectors on their actions to address climate change. Companies are rated on a 0-to-100 point scale. Unilever was awarded 88 points, an increase of five points on its 2010 score.

Unilever launches innovative corporate app for investors

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:30:00 GMT

01/12/2011 - Unilever unveiled today a breakthrough corporate app for investors, at its annual Investor Relations seminar, in Turkey. The app, developed by The App Business, is the first of its kind to offer investors live access to split-screen live results videos and presentations, interactive share price charts and a customisable investor dashboard.

James Allison, Head of Unilever Investor Relations and Head of M&A, comments: "This app is a great way for investors and analysts to get hold of key information, especially when on the move. It allows us to convey a huge amount of complex data in a very clear and accessible way. And it’s leading the way – this is the first IR app on the market to offer live video streaming."

The multi-touch powered interactive charts allow for detailed share price comparisons and analyses, with an option to capture screen shots and forward on to contacts. The PDF reader is fast, intuitive and packed with essential business features, including offline document viewing and quick sharing of individual pages or entire documents.

"The Unilever app not only offers financial information; it also includes updates on Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan as well as the latest news about the company, giving investors a comprehensive overview of the company’s performance, as we aim to double size of our business whilst reducing our environmental footprint," concludes Allison.

Other features include financial highlights, annual reports and company press releases.

High blood sugar levels make you look older, new research suggests

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:45:00 GMT

Long term exposure to high levels of glucose causes people to look older than they really are, new research suggests.

A study jointly carried out by Leiden University Medical Center and Unilever R&D has identified, for the first time, a relationship between people's blood sugar levels and their perceived facial age.

The study found that people aged 50-70 with high non-fasted blood sugar levels consistently looked older than those with lower blood sugar levels. The results demonstrated that for every 1 mmol/litre increase in blood sugar levels, perceived age increased by five months.

The research also found that the perceived facial age of diabetics - who have had long-term exposure to high blood sugar levels - looked older than non-diabetics. Crucially, these results remained after taking into account factors which are known to influence facial ageing such as smoking, sun exposure and BMI.

Diana van Heemst, associate professor at the Leiden University Medical Center said: “The results from this study further underscore how important regulation of blood glucose levels is for well-being and health in advanced middle age. The associated benefit of looking younger might provide an extra motivation to bring about healthy lifestyle changes in 50-to-70 year olds.”

David Gunn, Senior Scientist at Unilever's R&D laboratories based at Colworth Science Park said: "This is the first time that a relationship between high blood sugar levels and facial ageing has been identified. While there’s an extensive body of research which shows that consistently high levels of glucose in people's blood stream is bad for their health, this study suggests that it's also not going to help them keep a youthful appearance.

“Although there are known routes through which high glucose could be influencing facial ageing, further research is required for us to identify the true underlying cause."

This study, now published in AGE, was run as part of the Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Ageing initiative which aims to understand how health can be preserved as individuals age. The study involved testing the non-fasted blood sugar levels of more than 600 men and women in the Netherlands, who were then photographed. Their actual age was then compared to their perceived facial age, as assessed by 60 independent assessors. www.healthy-ageing.nl

The research paper is available at http://bit.ly/t0GO9w.

ENDS

Notes for the editor

For more information on this study, please contact Paul Matthews, Unilever Corporate Media Relations Manager on 0207 822 6605 / 0775 276 8888 / paul.matthews@unilever.com

About Leiden University Medical Center

As a center of medical innovations the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) strives towards an (inter)nationally recognized leading role in the improvement of quality of health care. Core business of the LUMC are patient care, research, education and training. The LUMC is part of the Dutch Federation of University Medical Centers (NFU). The NFU is a collaboration of the 8 University Medical Centers of the Netherlands www.lumc.nl

Safe Harbour

This document may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Unilever Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Unilever Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Unilever Group are described in the Unilever Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Unilever Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Unilever Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Unilever Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Protecting employees with HIV

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:45:00 GMT

01/12/2011 - In recognition of world AIDS day on 1 December Unilever reinforces its commitment to the care and protection of employees living with the disease.

Protecting employees with HIV

In recognition of world AIDS day on 1 December Unilever has launched new global standards to reinforce its commitment to the care and protection of employees living with the disease and to help prevent new infections.

Getting to zero

The standards underline Unilever’s approach to prevent discrimination against employees based on their HIV status and to offer appropriate care and support when needed.

"Unilever is committed to 'Getting to Zero – Zero discrimination, Zero New Infections and Zero New Deaths with reference to HIV/AIDS' says Doug Ballie, Chief HR officer.

"Our global standards are based on the principle of treating HIV/AIDS like any other chronic disease and providing appropriate steps to combat it. On the occasion of World AIDS Day we reinforce our commitment to employee health and wellbeing."

Raising awareness

Unilever’s Medical and Occupational Health teams are also running an HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign across the business. A particular focus is on sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest prevalence of infections.

According to Frank Braeken, EVP, Unilever Africa: "HIV/AIDS is one of the major threats to our continent, yet it is one thing that we can prevent, control and ultimately eliminate. Unilever is recognised globally as being leading edge in terms of its policy and approach to HIV/AIDS.

"We are committed to ensuring that employees who are living with the disease have access to antiretroviral drugs, are treated with respect and dignity, and have the knowledge to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease."

Activities across Unilever Africa include voluntary HIV testing, disease management registration, distribution of condoms, ribbons and educational booklets.

Continuing efforts

Speaking on the importance of the new standards, Dr. Thirumalai Rajgopal, VP, Global Medical and Occupational Health says: "While the number of infections and AIDS related deaths are coming down globally, we cannot take our foot off the pedal and must continue with our efforts in spreading awareness, ensuring voluntary detection is supplemented by antiretroviral treatment to help us control this condition."

Unilever Completes Sale of Culver Specialty Brands to B&G Foods, Inc.

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:00:00 GMT

LONDON & ROTTERDAM, November 30, 2011 – Unilever announced today that it has completed the sale of its Culver Specialty Brands division to B&G Foods, Inc. for the previously announced price of $325 million (EUR 240 million) in cash. Culver Specialty Brands include Mrs. Dash salt-free branded seasoning blends, Molly McButter branded flavored sprinkles, Sugar Twin branded sugar substitute, Baker’s Joy branded baking spray and Static Guard branded anti-static spray in the US and Canada.

-ENDS-

About Unilever

Unilever works to create a better future every day. We help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others.

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong operations in more than 100 countries and sales in 180. Consumers buy 170 billion Unilever packs around the world every year, and our products are used over two billion times a day.

Our portfolio includes some of the world’s best known and most loved brands including twelve €1 billion brands, and global leadership in many categories in which we operate. The portfolio features iconic brands such as: Knorr, Hellmann’s, Lipton, Dove, Vaseline, Persil, Cif, Marmite and Pot Noodle.

We have around 167,000 employees in over 100 countries, and generated annual sales of €44.3 billion in 2010. For more information about Unilever and its brands, please visit www.unilever.com

Unilever is Leader in the Food Producers sector in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indexes for the 13th year running. We are included in the FTSE4Good Index Series and attained a top environmental score of 5, leading to inclusion in the FTSE4Good Environmental Leaders Europe 40 Index. We are also ranked 7th in the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World, a list compiled by Corporate Knights Magazine. We achieved Platinum Plus standard in the UK’s Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index 2009, were named Company of the Year in 2010.

About B&G Foods, Inc.

B&G Foods and its subsidiaries manufacture, sell and distribute a diversified portfolio of high-quality, shelf-stable foods across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. B&G Foods’ products include hot cereals, fruit spreads, canned meats and beans, spices, seasonings, hot sauces, wine vinegar, maple syrup, molasses, salad dressings, Mexican-style sauces, taco shells and kits, salsas, pickles, peppers and other specialty food products. B&G Foods competes in the retail grocery, food service, specialty, private label, club and mass merchandiser channels of distribution. Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, B&G Foods’ products are marketed under many recognized brands, including Ac’cent, B&G, B&M, Brer Rabbit, Cream of Rice, Cream of Wheat, Don Pepino, Emeril’s, Grandma’s Molasses, Joan of Arc, Las Palmas, Maple Grove Farms of Vermont, Ortega, Polaner, Red Devil, Regina, Sa-són, Sclafani, Trappey’s, Underwood, Vermont Maid and Wright’s.

Safe Harbour

Unilever’s CMO speaks about making sustainable living commonplace: “we need to walk ahead of our consumers”

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:09:00 GMT

Speaking at the Marketing Society annual conference, and a year on from the launch of Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan, Keith Weed, Unilever Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, stressed the importance of foresight and the role that brands and marketing can play in making sustainable living commonplace.

“The role of marketing is to create sustainable growth which, in a business like ours, is consumer demand-led growth. But sustainable growth in a resource-constrained world is, for Unilever, not just about economic sustainability but also about environmental and social sustainability. We all need to grow our business not just for today, but for the generations to come,” Weed said.

It is estimated that by 2050 there will be 2.7 billion more people on earth than today; with urbanisation rising from 50% to 69%. By 2015, half the population of developing countries will live in urban areas: 0.6 bn of the 0.7 bn population increase in developing markets will be in urban homes, and 1.3 bn people will live in urban slums with increased hygiene needs.

This increased population and urbanisation presents opportunities for companies like Unilever, but as the company has made public its ambition to double its size whilst reducing its impact, it also presents challenges. The answer to how to grow a business while helping people and protecting the environment, said Weed, is with the consumers – and with the brands and companies that engage with them.

Weed warned, however, that the key to harnessing the power of brands to drive change is not in consumer insight. He said, “Great brands, and great companies, have always walked ahead of consumers. They have a point of view. They don’t just respond to current needs – what consumers say they want now - they anticipate what consumers will need, or might need in future, and they shape markets accordingly. As Henry Ford allegedly said, if he’d asked people what they wanted, they’d have said a faster horse. It’s about imagining a different future and designing for it. I want the Unilever brand to be the quality mark for Sustainable Living.”

Just because a consumer can’t articulate a need or a worry doesn’t mean that it isn’t there, and that there isn’t a big opportunity. For example, some of the countries which are the most important for Unilever’s laundry business, such as India, China and Turkey, are becoming increasingly water-stressed. One of the biggest uses of domestic water is laundry: currently people wash in one bucket of water and rinse with three; Chinese consumers rinse with five. To address this, Unilever developed a new technology and product – Comfort One Rinse – which delivers great cleaning performance with just one bucket of rinsing water.

“We are currently in challenging and volatile times – but they are also times of powerful opportunities and the best time to lead for a better future. Marketers have a key role here: if we take the lead, we can create sustainable growth. But it requires us to think and act differently, and develop new business models if we are to make the sustainable growth agenda mainstream. With sustainability as a source of growth and innovation, we can collectively make sustainable living commonplace,” concluded Weed.

-ENDS-

Safe Harbour

For further media information contact:

Unilever CEO calls for consumers to be part of the movement for sustainable change

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:14:00 GMT

Unilever CEO says a commitment gap between what governments say and what they deliver on sustainability provides an opportunity for business, NGOs and society to step up to the challenge.

Speaking at a debate in London on mainstreaming sustainability, watched live by more than two thousand people in over 50 countries on The Guardian website, Paul Polman described the current challenging economic situation as a “moment to get a different type of growth” by making sustainability “a part of the business model”.

With two billion consumers worldwide using a Unilever product on any given day, Polman urged consumers to “join the movement” not “stay on the sidelines” because their “small actions can make a big difference.” Combining the efforts of businesses, governments, NGOs and consumers “to work differently together” would be the only way, he said, to help find solutions to the sustainability challenge.

The debate was prompted by recent studies showing that while most people say they are concerned about sustainability issues and want to live sustainable lifestyles[1], there is a gap between good intentions and taking action.

Unilever used the occasion to publish ‘5 Levers for Change’, a set of principles and techniques its marketers use to inspire behaviour change habits, such as more frequent hand washing and brushing teeth twice a day instead of once. “We have been working hard to distil those critical areas of behaviour change insight that we all need to use to engage consumers. We are publishing our approach because we think that there are wider benefits from sharing our work with others.” said Polman.

Also taking part in the debate were Malini Mehra, CEO of India-based NGO Centre for Social Markets, Rainforest Alliance Executive Director Tensie Whelan and David Jones, CEO of advertising agency Havas and co-founder of One Young World.

The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, announced in November 2010, has three big goals to be achieved by 2020: Helping over 1 billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, halving the environmental footprint involved in making and using its products, and sourcing 100% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably. Commenting during the debate on how a large proportion of Unilever’s water footprint comes from consumers using water to take showers, Paul Polman issued a challenge to people watching the event to come up with simple ideas to encourage people to take more efficient showers.

[1] The Futures Company 2011 Global Monitor. (Concerned in Asia: 54%; Western Europe 64%; Latin America 73%)

-ENDS-

Note to editors:

‘Unilever’s Five Levers for Change’

‘Unilever’s Five Levers for Change’ contains the behaviour change model its marketers use to encourage sustainable changes in consumer living habits.

Based on Unilever’s long history of research and insights into consumer behaviour, the tool is based on a set of key principles, which, if applied consistently to behaviour change interventions, increases the likelihood of having an effective and lasting impact. Unilever has published the model in the hope that others will find it helpful and use it to inspire people to turn their concerns about sustainability into positive actions.

The booklet also contains a series of personal perspectives on sustainable living by leading experts on sustainability and behaviour change from around the world. To download the book, please visit www.unilever.com

Safe Harbour

Unilever and World Toilet Organization partner for the World’s First Toilet Academy

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:28:00 GMT

Ho Chi Minh: With 2.6 billion people across the world without access to clean toilets, Unilever is proud to announce the world’s first Toilet Academy that will address the global sanitation issue.

To celebrate World Toilet Day (19^th November), Unilever’s health and hygiene brand Domestos (also known as Vim) has announced the global roll-out of Domestos Toilet Academies, starting with a pilot Academy in Vietnam opening next year, that will help provide sustainable and long-term solutions to sanitation that benefit local societies and help stimulate the local economies.

The Domestos Toilet Academy, developed in conjunction with the World Toilet Organization, will run month-long training courses for local people interested in setting up their own businesses to source, sell and maintain toilets, and educate local communities on the importance of sanitation.

Lack of sanitation is a serious health risk to the billions of people with no toilet facilities, particularly those who are forced to engage in the demeaning practise of open defecation [1]. The lack of functioning toilets in schools is also a major cause of school dropout by adolescent girls [2].

In Vietnam, only half the population has ‘some sort’ of sanitation facility, and 82% do not have access to facilities that meet the hygiene standards of the country’s Ministry of Health [3]. By addressing these issues, the Domestos Toilet Academy will help accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) for sanitation; to halve the proportion of people without access to basic sanitation by 2015, and therefore contribute to Millennium Development Goal 4, to reduce child mortality. Currently the MDG for sanitation is the goal lagging the furthest behind.

“It is unimaginable that in 2011, 2.6 billion people, two fifths of the global population, do not have access to a clean toilet. We know that better sanitation saves lives, which is why we at Unilever have committed to sustainably improve sanitation through the Domestos Toilet Academy programme. We are working with the World Toilet Organization and local communities to not only help millions of people get access to clean toilets, but also help them create sustainable businesses, to give them a better life,” said Keith Weed, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Unilever.

Jack Sim, Founder of the World Toilet Organization added, “Having access to a clean and functioning toilet is something that many people take for granted. In the past few years, progress has been made in Vietnam towards improving sanitation; however there is still a long way to go. Only 12% of schools actually have hygienic toilet access, with rural areas suffering the most. By working in partnership with Unilever’s Domestos, we can effectively pool resources and expertise to work towards a shared goal for improved sanitation and create a long-term, focused solution that reaches the people that need it most.”

Weed added, “For Unilever this project emphasises the importance of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. It is a true demonstration of our commitment to help more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being by 2020. Additionally, Unilever will be partnering with UNICEF to help address the sanitation crisis and promote health through improved hygiene and access to toilets.”

[1]Unicef.org/wash/index_statistics.html

[2]Unicef.org/wash/index_schools.html

[3]Unicef.org/vietnam/wes.html

- Ends -

Notes for the editor

About the Domestos Toilet Academy (will be known in Vietnam as the Vim Toilet Academy)

The Domestos Toilet Academy will open in 2012 in Vietnam. It will be the first of several Domestos Toilet Academies as part of a global roll-out. The Domestos Toilet Academy will train anyone interested in setting up their own business to source, sell and maintain toilets as a sustainable and long-term approach to improving sanitation in Vietnam. It is modelled on the World Toilet Organization’s Sani-Shop training programmes in Cambodia. The Academy will run month-long accredited courses which will give students the skills and funding they need to set up self-sustaining enterprises that install and maintain toilets.

About the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan

In November of 2010 Unilever made a company-wide commitment to:

Help more than 1 billion people take action to improve their health and well-being
Halve the environmental footprint of its products
Source 100% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably

Unilever aims to achieve these goals by 2020.

About the World Toilet Organization

The World Toilet Organization was set up in 2001 by social entrepreneur Jack Sim. The organization’s mission is to improve sanitation conditions for people globally through powerful advocacy, inventive technology, education and building marketplace opportunities locally. The World Toilet Organization has partnered with Unilever’s Domestos since 2009.

About World Toilet Day

In 2001, the World Toilet Organization declared 19th November World Toilet Day (WTD) to raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis, highlighting the health, emotional and psychological consequences the poor endure as a result of inadequate sanitation. Domestos has been working with the World Toilet Organization for three years as the exclusive partner for World Toilet Day.

UNICEF

UNICEF works in more than 90 countries around the world to improve water supplies and sanitation facilities in schools and communities and to promote safe hygiene practices. To help address the sanitation crisis and promote health through improved hygiene and access to toilets, UNICEF will be partnering with Unilever. More information on the partnership will be announced in January, 2012.

Unilever CEO Paul Polman elected Vice Chairman of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:44:00 GMT

09/11/2011: Unilever CEO Paul Polman has been elected Vice Chairman of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development

Solutions for a sustainable world

Paul's appointment was announced at the Annual Council Meeting in Munich, Germany, on 2 November 2011.

Starting in 2012, Paul will serve a two-year term on the council's Executive Committee, which comprises 14 CEOs from some of the globe's leading companies. Paul is also Chair-Elect, and will lead the WBCSD from 2013.

Paul said: "The work of the WBCSD and its members has never been more necessary than it is now. It is an honour to be able to deepen my involvement at this important time."

"The most influential voices in sustainability"

Outgoing WBCSD Chairman Jorma Ollila, Chairman of Royal Dutch Shell, added: "The ability to attract high-calibre figures, who are also the most influential voices on sustainability, to the WBCSD's leadership is a reflection of the dedication business has to driving sustainable development.

"Paul's invaluable knowledge and expertise will help propel the sustainable business agenda further benefiting the WBCSD and its global membership."

Charles (Chad) O Holliday Jr, Chairman, Bank of America, was elected Chairman of the WBCSD. Atsutoshi Nishia, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Toshiba, has also been elected Vice Chairman of the organisation.

The WBCSD provides a forum for 200 member companies to share best practice on sustainable development issues and to develop innovative solutions to create a sustainable future for business, society and the environment.

Fortune magazine names Unilever among the 25 Top Companies for Leaders

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:04:00 GMT

04/11/2011 - The business magazine interviewed executives from 182 businesses around the world to find out how they inspire colleagues to reach their full potential

Top rating for talent-spotting

Unilever ranks among the 25 Top Companies for Leaders in a new global poll by Fortune magazine.

Leadership strategies, succession planning and programmes in place to identify high-potential junior employees were all scrutinised by a panel of judges, in a bid to understand each firm's commitment to nurturing talent.

Career development

Unilever was placed 19th in the list. A policy where the company's 100 top leaders are encouraged to share two-page career plans with CEO Paul Polman was among the initiatives praised by judges.

In the regional results, Unilever also featured prominently, winning third place in Europe. And Hindustan Unilever came second in a survey of firms in the Asia Pacific region. Unilever Brazil received a special mention from the Latin America judging panel.

Hindustan Unilever also made it on to the global list at number six, winning recognition for an initiative where management trainees on the Unilever Future Leaders Programme experience a taste of life in India's rural villages, allowing them to better understand the needs of low-income consumers.

"This is a very strong result for Unilever around the globe," says Chief Human Resources Officer Doug Baillie. "It represents external recognition of our capabilities in leadership development and the importance we place on it."

Strong growth for all categories in third quarter 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Another good quarterly performance against the backdrop of a continuing tough economic environment.

Today (3 November), Unilever announced its results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011.

Turnover was €12.1 billion in the third quarter and €34.9 billion at nine months
Underlying sales growth* was 7.8% in the third quarter and 6.5% at nine months
Underlying volume growth was 1.9% in the third quarter and 2.1% at nine months

Emerging markets were up 13.1% in the third quarter and strong growth was reported across all categories, in particular Personal Care at 11.3%.

A strongly positive contribution to turnover growth, of 2.2% in the quarter, came from bolt-on acquisitions with the integration of the Sara Lee body care and Alberto Culver businesses largely complete.

The recently announced acquisition of Concern Kalina – the leading local personal care company in Russia – will significantly strengthen the business in this important market.

Commenting on the results, CEO Paul Polman said: “I am pleased to report another good quarterly performance, with particularly strong growth in Personal Care and the emerging markets, reinforcing our position as the emerging markets consumer goods company.

“Growth was strong across all categories and helped by technology-based innovation, now routinely rolled out quickly to multiple markets. In addition we are increasingly driving the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan as an integral part of the way we do business.”

Regions

Asia Africa CEE: Third quarter underlying sales growth was 12.4% with underlying volume growth at 5%. The region delivered strong growth ahead of the market, powered by China, India, Indonesia and Turkey. Natural disasters impacted the Philippines and Thailand while Japan continues to recover after the earthquake and Tsunami earlier in the year. Geo-political uncertainty in North Africa has also had an impact and has slowed growth in the sub-region.

The Americas: Third quarter underlying sales growth was 9.1% with underlying volume growth at 2.1%. Growth in North America was flattered by the impact of the sales brought forward prior to the major SAP upgrade which took place at the end of the quarter. Adjusting for this impact, underlying sales growth was low single digit with positive price offset by negative volumes. Growth in Latin America accelerated to more than 10%, driven by price but also reflecting robust volume growth.

Western Europe: Third quarter underlying sales growth was -0.5% with underlying volume growth at -2.9%. Despite the weak state of many European economies, market share performance was robust both in volume and value terms. Tea, ice cream, deodorants and laundry gained value share. France and the UK continue to perform well in terms of growth and market share. However conditions in southern Europe remain depressed.

In conclusion Paul said: “These results are especially encouraging against the backdrop of very uncertain consumer demand, hugely volatile commodity markets, natural disasters and geo-political uncertainty in many parts of the world.

“Our long term priorities remain: to deliver profitable volume growth ahead of our markets, steady and sustainable underlying operating margin improvement and strong cash flow.”

*Underlying sales growth is calculated by excluding the effect of acquisitions, disposals and currency movements.

Q3 2011 Trading Statement

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 07:05:00 GMT

Unilever’s third quarter 2011 results announced today.

Unilever today announced its results for the third quarter, 2011.

Full details can be found in the Quarterly results and reports section of Unilever.com.

Low-carbon cooking in South Africa

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:42:00 GMT

02/11/11 - Unilever brand Rajah has given away thousands of Wonderbag cooking devices, reducing dependency on open-fire stoves.

Helping low-income consumers

The Wonderbag, free with the purchase of three packs of Unilever’s Rajah curry powder bought at Shoprite stores, helps consumers prepare low-cost hot meals while saving energy and reducing emissions.

Food is simply brought to the boil on the stove, then the pot is transferred to the Wonderbag – a heat-retention/insulation cooker – to complete the cooking process.

By reducing dependency on an open-fire stove, the Wonderbag can reduce the fuel consumption needed for cooking by half. South African consumers could save up to €20 on their electricity or paraffin bill per month – equivalent to 10% of the average income in a lower-income household.

With regular use, one Wonderbag can help a household avoid one tonne of carbon emissions every two years. It also reduces the demand for wood as fuel in rural areas, in turn promoting forest regrowth and biodiversity.

Creating jobs & opportunities

Natural Balance, the company behind the Wonderbag is benefiting from the partnership with Unilever and Shoprite too. The bags are made by co-operatives in local communities, creating jobs and offering the women who make them the chance to earn a wage.

Unilever purchased 100,000 bags for the initial Rajah promotion in September 2011, which has created 645 jobs to date. Rajah aims to give away five million bags over the next five years, creating a further 8,000 jobs.

“The Wonderbag bag reduces the health problems associated with smoke from cooking fires and there is a lower risk of shack fires caused by paraffin stoves being either faulty or left unattended,” says Rob Laggar, Unilever’s Vice President Brand Building, Foods.

“At the start of the campaign we estimated that 70,000 bags would be given away over a three-month period. But in the first three weeks since launch, 51,000 were snapped up,” Rob adds. “And since the start of the promotion, Shoprite’s 200g sales of Rajah have tripled.”

Former Unilever Chairman Morris Tabaksblat passes away aged 74

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:32:00 GMT

24/10/11 - Morris Tabaksblat, former Unilever Chairman, passed away on 20 October after a long illness. He was 74.

Unilever Chief Executive Officer Paul Polman said: "We are hugely saddened by the death of Morris Tabaksblat and would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family.

"Morris joined Unilever as a trainee in 1964 and went on to have a long and distinguished career with the company. After spells working for Unilever in the Netherlands, Spain, Brazil and North America, he became Chairman of the Unilever in 1994, five years before his retirement.

"His contribution to Unilever throughout his career was immense, and his impact on corporate life has been far-reaching. He will be particularly remembered for the valuable work of the Tabaksblat Committee which has redefined much of our thinking on corporate governance.

"Morris will be fondly remembered by those at Unilever who were privileged to have known him. He was a great support to me from the day I started as CEO and I am incredibly grateful for that," concluded Polman.

Unilever to acquire 82% of leading Russian beauty company Kalina

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:25:00 GMT

Successful brands enhance presence in attractive emerging market, strengthen Personal Care portfolio and create leading position in skin care in Russia.

Unilever, one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies and Concern Kalina, the leading Russian beauty company, today announced that Unilever has agreed to acquire 82% of Concern Kalina. The transaction, which is pending required regulatory approvals, values the equity of the total business at RUB 21.5 billion (€ 500 million).

Concern Kalina is Russia’s largest local personal care player with leading positions in skin and hair care and an expected 2011 turnover of around RUB 13 billion (€ 303 million). Concern Kalina is headquartered in Ekaterinburg, where its manufacturing facility is situated. The company has a strong, extensive distribution network and sells its products primarily in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. It employs around 1,900 people.

Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever said: "We are delighted to be acquiring Concern Kalina. This will transform Unilever’s personal care business in Russia, giving us leading positions in skin care and hair care, as well as establishing a presence in oral care. It will also strengthen and re-balance Unilever’s portfolio and competitive position in Russia, an emerging market with considerable potential and one of our priority countries."

The transaction fulfils a number of key criteria for Unilever. It:

enhances Unilever’s presence in an attractive, high-growth market with a differentiated portfolio which has grown at above market rates in competitive categories;
adds to Unilever’s portfolio successful, authentic Russian brands in skin care, hair care and oral care like Pure Line, Black Pearl, Silky Hands, 100 Recipes of Beauty and Forest Balm, complementing Unilever’s own brands such as Dove, Sunsilk, Timotei and Clear;
provides Unilever with the opportunity to use its technology to take these brands to a new level.

Polman continued, "Personal Care is a strategic category for Unilever and growing rapidly. Ten years ago it represented 20% of Group turnover; strong organic growth has driven it to now reach over 30%, with strong positions in many of the emerging markets.

"Organic growth remains the cornerstone of our ambition to double the size of Unilever whilst reducing our overall environmental impact. Acquisitions such as Concern Kalina supplement organic growth and add powerful new brands to our portfolio."

Timur Goryaev, Chairman of Concern Kalina said: "The agreement reached with Unilever will enable the brands we have built into some of Russia’s best loved and most recognised since we started in 1996 to be taken to new heights.”

Alexander Petrov, CEO of Concern Kalina, added “The coming together of our company with one of the most successful and best-known global companies represents a tremendous vote of confidence in the strength of our brands, the people who have built them and the potential of the Russian market. The combination with Unilever will also provide our employees with opportunities in one of the best companies in the world."

The transaction implies an enterprise value for 100% of Concern Kalina of approximately RUB 25.9 billion (€604 million). This represents a sales multiple of 2.0 and a pre-synergy proforma EBITDA multiple of 11.7. The price per share is RUB 4.098, calculated on the basis of 5.2 million outstanding shares in circulation. The price per share is subject to a number of completion adjustments and the final share price on closing could be different.

Subject to obtaining the required regulatory approvals, the acquisition is expected to complete by the end of 2011. On completion Unilever intends to launch a Mandatory Tender Offer to acquire the remaining shares that are not part of the initial agreement, at such time and on terms mandated by Russian law.

--- Ends ---

NOTES

The amount paid to acquire the 82% stake is approximately RUB 16.7 billion (€390m).
The figure quoted of 5.2 million outstanding shares does not include 1.2 million shares in Concern Kalina that are currently held by its own subsidiary companies.
Under the terms of the agreement, the 82% shareholding Unilever will acquire in Concern Kalina includes these additional 1.2 million shares.

About Unilever

Unilever works to create a better future every day. We help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others.

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong operations in more than 100 countries and sales in 180. Consumers buy 170bn Unilever packs around the world every year, and our products are used over two billion times a day.

We have around 167,000 employees in over 100 countries, and generated annual sales of €44.3 billion in 2010.

Unilever is Food Industry Leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indexes for the 13th year running. We are included in the FTSE4Good Index Series and attained a top environmental score of 5, leading to inclusion in the FTSE4Good Environmental Leaders Europe 40 Index.

We are also ranked 7th in the Global 100 Most Sus-tainable Corporations in the World, a list compiled by Corporate Knights Magazine. We achieved Platinum Plus standard in the UK’s Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index 2009, and were named Company of the Year in 2010.

About Concern Kalina

Today, Concern Kalina is one of the leading Russian personal care manufacturers offering a wide spread of products to its consumers in Russia and the CIS.

Concern Kalina works to build the leading brands in Beauty sectors of the market. Key pillars to success of the corporate strategy have been consumer-centric marketing; focus on fastest-growing products and growth across key categories and geographies.

Concern Kalina develops strong brands in the key segments of Russian personal care market. The leading brands of the company are Black Pearl, Clean Line, 100 Recipes of Beauty and Silky Hands in skin care, and 32 and Forest Balsam in oral care.

Concern Kalina is a public company and follows advanced international standards of corporate governance. The Company’s shares are listed on the RTS and MICEX stock exchanges, as well as on the foreign over-the-counter market in the form of ADR/GDR.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements in this release that are “forward-looking statements” are based on currently available information, operating plans and projections about future events and trends. They inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: Unilever’s ability to consummate the acquisition of Concern Kalina and to achieve the synergies and value creation contemplated by the proposed acquisition; Unilever’s ability to promptly and effectively integrate the businesses of Concern Kalina and Unilever; and the timing to consummate the proposed acquisition and any necessary actions to obtain required regulatory approvals.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Sanitation for South Africa’s schools

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:58:00 GMT

13/10/2011: A school toilet refurbishment project in KwaZulu-Natal means that learners no longer have to skip lessons because of substandard sanitation.

Domestos restores school toilets in South Africa

Unilever’s Domestos brand is working in partnership with the World Toilet Organization to refurbish facilities at schools in South Africa.

Research indicates that the provision of hygienic toilet facilities contributes directly to the standard of education received by pupils. There are more than 24, 000 public schools in South Africa but fewer than 8,000 have flushing toilets.

"Lack of sanitation is the world’s biggest cause of infection and one of the problems that continues to keep many of our children out of school," says Domestos Marketing Director Sue Stringer.

“Substandard toilet facilities result in absenteeism and especially girls then struggle to complete the curriculum, resulting in missed lessons and lower grades,” she adds.

Sustainable sanitation

As part of Domestos’ global campaign to raise public awareness of good health practices, the refurbishment scheme launched in 2010. Since then five schools have received new toilets in KwaZulu-Natal.

The pupils at Ekuthuleni Primary School are among the beneficiaries. Pupils, parents and teachers are now committed to ensuring the facilities remain clean and hygienic.

Find out more on the Domestos South Africa Facebook site, which is constantly updated by supporters of the project including South African Idols finalist and avid ambassador Lloyd Cele.

Working together to change lives

“The Ekuthuleni project is a fine example of business and education working together to change lives. Educators, learners and parents have all been informed about toilet hygiene and the school will continue with a proper maintenance plan to keep the toilets hygienically clean.

“As an international leader in home hygiene, Domestos is continually committed to public awareness of good health practices and this is another way of delivering an important message and uplifting not only the schools but also the surrounding communities,” sums up Sue.

September 2011: Leading the way in sustainability

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:10:34 GMT

Unilever has been named sustainability leader in the Food Producers sector in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the 13th consecutive year.

Thirteen years as sector leader

Unilever once again leads the Food Producers sector with an overall score of 81%, substantially ahead of the average sector score of 45%. Unilever received full marks for its record in Health & Nutrition and Packaging.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) track the financial performance of the leading companies worldwide. Unilever has participated in the annual assessment since its inception in 1999 and has achieved Foods Producers sector leadership every year since.

However, in 2011 Unilever lost its position as leader of the combined Food and Beverages ‘super sector’, which the company had held for 12 years.

“We’re very proud of having retained our position as leader of the Food Producers sector for the 13th consecutive year,” says Gavin Neath, SVP, Sustainability at Unilever. “And especially pleased that we maintained a 100% score in Health & Nutrition and Packaging and improved our scores in a number of other measurement criteria.

“But we are disappointed that having led the Food & Beverage ‘super-sector’ for 12 consecutive years, we’ve been knocked off the top spot. We congratulate PepsiCo and will use this disappointment as a spur to do even better next year.”

About the DJSI

The sustainability scores are based on an analysis of economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as climate strategy, supply-chain standards and labour practices, with a strong focus on long-term shareholder value.

While the Indexes provide a way for companies to measure their progress in sustainability, they also have an important financial dimension. Investors perceive sustainability as a catalyst for enlightened and disciplined management and thus a crucial business success factor. They have become a tool for those seeking to support companies that are committed to creating and adopting sustainable business practices.

As a result of its performance, Unilever is a member of both the DJSI World and DJSI Europe Indexes.

Leading the way in sustainability

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:34:00 GMT

Sept 2011 - Unilever has been named sustainability leader in the Food Producers sector in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the 13th consecutive year.

Thirteen years as sector leader

However, in 2011 Unilever lost its position as leader of the combined Food and Beverages ‘super sector’, which the company had held for 12 years.

About the DJSI

As a result of its performance, Unilever is a member of both the DJSI World and DJSI Europe Indexes.

Paul Polman speaks at One Young World

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:31:00 GMT

01/09/2011 - CEO outlined Unilever’s commitment to building a better world at the One Young World Summit 2011.

Inspiring top talent

The One Young World Summit aims to inspire the top talent of the future and create a network of ambassadors that will develop projects to help change the world for the better.

It is supported by inspirational figures including activist and former Archbishop of Cape Town Desmond Tutu, singer Bob Geldof, who is widely recognised for his efforts fighting poverty in Africa and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, well-known for his charity work and campaigning against obesity.

Changing the world for the better

Paul Polman, Unilever CEO, attended this year as one of the counsellors and delivered a keynote speech that focused on the company’s commitment to building a better world through its Sustainable Living Plan.

“We decided to embrace a radical business model that not only would reduce our negative impact on society, but actually contribute positively to society as a result of our activities.

“Simply said, whilst most companies ask themselves how to use society and the environment to be successful, we flipped the question around 180 degrees and asked ourselves: how we can contribute to society and the environment to be successful.

“The answer is found in what we call the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan,” said Paul. See more in the video below.

Unilever to sell VO5 in the USA

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:56:00 GMT

Unilever to sell the Alberto VO5 brand in the United States and Puerto Rico, and the Rave brand globally to Brynwood Partners VI L.P.

London & Rotterdam: Unilever announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell the Alberto VO5 brand in the United States and Puerto Rico from the Alberto Culver portfolio and the Rave brand globally from the Unilever portfolio to private equity firm Brynwood Partners VI L.P. The deal is subject to approval by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). It is expected to be completed by the end of August. Terms were not disclosed.

The divestiture is required by the US DOJ in conjunction with Unilever’s $3.7 billion acquisition of the Alberto Culver Company, which was completed on May 10, 2011.

The Alberto VO5 brand in the US and Puerto Rico includes shampoos, conditioners and hair-styling products, and the Rave brand consists of aerosol and non-aerosol hairsprays. Outside the United States and Puerto Rico, the Alberto VO5 brand will remain in Unilever’s portfolio.

The Alberto Culver acquisition included brands such as TRESemmé, Nexxus, Motions, St. Ives and Simple, which complement Unilever’sportfolio of iconic brands such as Dove, Clear, Suave, TIGI (Bed Head, Catwalk and SFactor) and Sunsilk in hair care and Pond’s and Vaseline in skin.

-Ends-

Media contacts:

Englewood Cliffs, NJ (USA): Anita Larsen +1 201 894 7760
London: Trevor Gorin +44 20 7822 6010 or Paul Matthews +44-01372-945925
Rotterdam: Flip Dötsch +31 (0) 10 2174844

About Brynwood Partners

Founded in 1984, Brynwood Partners is an operationally-focused private equity fund that makes control investments in lower middle market companies. Brynwood Partners targets companies operating in the following sectors: (a) consumer products, (b) light manufacturing with low capital intensity, and (c) businesses services.

Brynwood Partners is currently managing over $500 million of private equity capital for its limited partners who include U.S. and international pension funds, fund-of-funds, endowments, high net worth family investment offices and financial institutions. For more information on Brynwood Partners, please visit www.brynwoodpartners.com.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Pureit launches in Mexico and Brazil

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:06:00 GMT

23/08/11 - Pureit, Unilever’s in-home water purifier, is now bringing safe, affordable drinking water to homes in Mexico and Brazil.

Pureit is already well established in India, where the filter is used by more than 20 million people. Its launch in Latin America follows its introduction in Bangladesh and Indonesia at the end of 2010.

Pureit’s affordable and effective germ-removing technology, which works without the need for electricity or pressurised tap water, took Unilever scientists five years to develop.

Safe water for 500 million people

The innovative, low-cost filter is now proving its potential to help fulfil Unilever's goal of making safe drinking water available and affordable to 500 million people by 2020.

One billion people around the world still don’t have access to safe drinking water, and many others struggle to meet the financial costs of boiling water or buying bottled water. As the world’s population rises, the number of people who aren’t drinking safe water could double by 2025, according to UN estimates.

Making safe drinking water easy & affordable

"We launched Pureit in Mexico in March 2011, with a pilot test in the city of Toluca,” explains Vanessa Mora, Pureit Manager.

"This is a market in which water purifiers barely existed – and most people only used bottled water. So the initial response has been very positive: consumers can now obtain safe water without the hassle and expense of buying ‘garrafones’ (locally-sold 20-litre bottles).”

Q2 and half-year 2011 results

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:05:00 GMT

Unilever’s second quarter 2011 results announced today

Unilever today announced its results for the second quarter and half year, 2011.

Full details can be found in the Quarterly results and reports section of Unilever.com.

Magnum nets one million Facebook fans

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMT

12/07/11 - Magnum’s Facebook page is dedicated to celebrating pleasure and has won fashionable fans around the world.

Magnum nets one million fans

Magnum’s Facebook page gained more than a million fans in just five months after launching in 20 countries in February 2011.

The pleasure icon

The indulgent ice cream brand’s Facebook page is devoted to celebrating pleasure in all its forms, and invites fans to share their views on Magnum and their own ideas about a variety of decadent delights.

Alper Eroglu, Magnum Brand Development Manager, said: “We want to be the pleasure icon on Facebook – the place where pleasure-seekers go to share their latest indulgences and find out about new ones.”

The page links to the groundbreaking Magnum Pleasure Hunt , an online game which took the internet by storm earlier in 2011 by allowing the character to leap across luxury brands’ websites.

Magnum's passion for fashion

The Facebook hub also keeps Magnum fans posted with the brand’s news. Recent headlines include a US competition with the Polyvore high fashion blog where the prize was a chance to attend a glittering film premiere in New York.

Another big story was the unveiling of the glamorous Magnum Chocolate Suite in Paris. Dreamt up by Chanel head designer Karl Lagerfeld, the hotel suite was made from 10 tonnes of chocolate and attended by ‘pleasure-fixers’ such as top hotel concierges from around the world.

The chic suite was created to celebrate the launch of Magnum Ecuador and Magnum Ghana – both made using Rainforest Alliance-certified sustainable cocoa beans.

Lipton’s sustainable tea in Turkey

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT

12/07/2011: Unilever’s Lipton brand has launched a Sustainable Tea Agriculture project in Turkey, benefiting farmers and consumers.

Sustainable tea in Turkey

Lipton has launched a Sustainable Tea Agriculture project in Turkey – the world’s fifth-largest producer of tea, and fourth-largest tea market.

Enriching local soil

Turkey is one of Unilever’s main centres of tea agriculture, with more than 15,000 farmers and three factories based in the country.

Now Unilever’s Lipton tea brand is working in partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to introduce measures aimed at improving the social, economic and environmental impacts of tea production.

Consumers in Turkey will soon be able to buy Lipton tea bearing the Rainforest Alliance seal on the pack. And by 2018, Lipton aims to have all the tea sold in Turkey sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms.

The project launch represents a major landmark in the brand’s journey towards sustainability. In the first half of 2010, we achieved our interim target of sourcing all the tea for our PG Tips and Lipton Yellow Label tea bags sold in Western Europe from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms. This is set to improve thousands of lives as well as boosting biodiversity and enriching local soil quality.

Training tea growers in sustainable practices

Under the initiative, 15,000 Turkish tea growers will receive one-to-one training to help them move to sustainable agricultural practices by 2014 – and eventually become Rainforest Alliance certified.

In addition, 2 000 training sessions will provide tea growers with information on sustainability-related topics such as erosion control, waste management, work safety, record-keeping, biodiversity, fertilisation and pruning.

Poor fertiliser use is one of the biggest challenges facing tea production in Turkey. To facilitate accurate diagnosis of soil condition – and determine corrective measures – Lipton will join forces with the Regional Chamber of Agriculture to establish a soil analysis laboratory in the country’s tea-growing region (near the Black Sea).

Tea growers’ health will also come under the spotlight, with Lipton set to provide around 5,000 women growers with health services targeting back, spine and joint pain.

Making a major impact

With 60,000 people directly or indirectly affected by Unilever’s tea operations in Turkey, the impact of the initiative will potentially be huge. And another major beneficiary will be the soil itself – which the project aims to restore to a rich, fertile state so as to protect the future of tea agriculture for years to come.

İzzet Karaca, CEO of Unilever Turkey, notes that the project is fully aligned with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. He says: “It is a strong example of how Unilever develops new ways of doing business that will help protect the world’s resources, whilst expanding our business at the same time, because we cannot accept the approach of ‘growth at no cost’.”

Michiel Leijnse, Lipton Global Brand Development, adds: “I do believe Turkey’s importance is cardinal. It is the fifth-biggest tea-producing country in the world. This announcement is particularly exciting as Turkey is now going to be the first tea-producing country where tea from local Rainforest Alliance-certified farms will be available to consumers. That is a major milestone.”

Improving access to banking in India

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:18:00 GMT

29/06/11 - Unilever is partnering the State Bank of India to bring entry-level banking to low-income people across the country.

The Shakti Ammas programme

Hindustan Unilever’s Shakti Ammas programme supports thousands of women in small villages across India to earn a sustainable income by selling branded products to their communities.

Now the network of Shakti Amma retailers is helping introduce basic banking services to low-income people in their areas, enabling them to benefit from the security a bank account can offer.

A pilot project in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka has so far seen 12 Shakti Ammas help open 1,000 bank accounts for villagers. And with 43,000 registered Shakti Ammas, the potential for expansion is huge.

‘Vital to sustainable growth’

“We’re potentially looking at three million bank accounts being opened thanks to this project – so it’s set to have a huge impact on life in rural India,” says Hemant Bakshi, Executive Director, Hindustan Unilever Sales and Customer Development.

“Interestingly, over 80% of people who’ve opened a bank account through the project are women,” adds Hemant. “The involvement of the Shakti Ammas brings a female-friendly and accessible face to the whole initiative.

“Bringing villagers into the financial system is vital to sustainable growth. It will help Hindustan Unilever grow its business in rural India by improving people’s disposable income, while boosting their financial prospects for the future too.”

The Indian government has also made it a priority to widen access to banking in poor rural communities. At present, only 40% of the country’s population has a bank account.

Sourcing sustainable tea in China

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:01:00 GMT

29/06/11 - Unilever is set to support tea farmers in China’s Yunnan province through sustainable trade and training.

Developing regions

Under the new agreement, we will source black tea from two regions which have huge potential but are currently underdeveloped.

As well as buying up to 30,000 tonnes of tea from local farmers, we have pledged to provide expertise to help those farmers improve their yields, increase the quality of their green leaf tea plants and assist processors to develop black teas more efficiently.

Farm-to-cup sustainability

The move comes a year after Unilever agreed to partner the Vietnamese government in an initiative to drive sustainable agricultural growth. Such campaigns are part of our commitment to improving sustainability across the business – in this case promoting ethically and environmentally sound principles from farm to cup.

As Martin Huxtable, Unilever’s Foods Procurement Director for the region, says: “China is the world’s largest producer of green tea but does very little in the way of black tea. In China and in Vietnam, the production from traditional tea gardens has remained relatively flat for many years. Both countries now have ambitious plans to increase output and we intend to be an integral part of that journey.”

Unilever announces reorganisation to further drive growth

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 21:55:00 GMT

London/Rotterdam - Unilever today announced changes to its category and go-to-market structure to further support its growth plans, especially in its fast-developing businesses in the emerging markets. The new structure allows for a more efficient rollout of increasingly bigger and more scalable innovations, and the optimization of resources behind strategic priorities.

“Unilever now has over half its turnover in the emerging markets, where, over the last 10 years, growth has been close to double digits. We have an opportunity to better support this footprint of the business, to keep our strong momentum, with a more globally aligned country and category organisation.” said Unilever CEO Paul Polman.

As part of these changes Harish Manwani will be appointed as Chief Operating Officer, with effect from 1^st September, and will take responsibility for all markets, in order to drive speed-to-market behind further simplification and efficiency.

"Over the past few years we have seen a significant step-up in our innovation success rate and our speed to roll them out across markets. The new structure will further accelerate this," added Polman.

The Category organisation will be broadened to four categories reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer Paul Polman.

Dave Lewis, currently President , Americas, will be appointed as President, Personal Care consisting of Skin, Deodorants, Oral and Hair.

Kevin Havelock, currently Executive Vice President Ice Cream, will be appointed as President of the newly established Refreshment category which includes Ice Cream and Beverages.

Antoine de Saint Affrique, currently Executive Vice President Skin, will be appointed as President, Food which includes Savoury, Spreads and Dressings.

In the Home Care category, Randy Quinn, currently Executive Vice President Laundry, and Sean Gogarty, Senior Vice President Household Care, will report directly to Paul Polman.

The new structures will be put in place during the third quarter and will be fully operational before year-end.

Michael B. Polk, currently President, Global Foods, Home and Personal Care and member of the Unilever Executive has announced his intention to leave Unilever after eight successful years with the company to become President & CEO of Newell Rubbermaid with effect from 18^th July.

Paul Polman said: “Mike is a great leader and has had a very successful career with Unilever since joining from Kraft eight years ago. In his current role, he has made a major contribution in sharpening our portfolio strategy and developing bigger and better innovations. He will leave a lasting impact on the company. I wish him success in his future endeavours.”

Mike Polk said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time at Unilever, especially the last few years working with Paul and the rest of the executive to really transform the company. Our global category organisation is now a real powerhouse that combines global brand and technology scale with local knowledge and execution.”

-ends-

Notes to editors:

Harish Manwani

Harish is currently President, Asia Africa, Central and Eastern Europe. He joined Hindustan Lever (HLL) in 1976, becoming a member of the HLL board in1995 as director responsible for the Personal Products business. As category leader for Personal Products, he also held regional responsibility for the Central Asia and Middle East business group.

In 2000, he moved to the UK as senior vice president, Global Hair Care and Oral Care, and in 2001 was appointed president, Home and Personal Care, Latin America business group. He also served as chairman of Unilever’s Latin America Advisory Council.

In 2004, he was appointed president and CEO of the HPC North America business group, and in April 2005 joined the Unilever Executive as president, Asia Africa. He is also non-executive chairman of Hindustan Lever and is currently a member of the Executive Board of the Indian School of Business.

Dave Lewis

Dave Lewis is currently President, Americas. Dave joined Unilever straight out from university in 1987, starting as a UCMDS trainee for Lever Brothers, based in Kingston, UK. He held various brand marketing and customer management roles in home and personal care, which included launching Dove in the UK in 1992, before becoming company operations manager in 1993.

In 1996, he moved to South America, to be Marketing Director of River Plate (Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay). Heavily involved in the defence of the southern cone laundry business, he also led the regional innovation for household care.

His next move was to Indonesia in 1999, where he was Managing Director of Unilever Indonesia’s personal care business and regional innovation leader for personal care South East Asia. Political unrest and hyperinflation made business conditions particularly challenging, but the business continued to innovate under his leadership and saw an average growth of 30% per year.

Dave took the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard University and then served as Senior Vice President for Home and Personal Care, Central and Eastern Europe for three years. He then returned to the UK and his Kingston roots in 2005 as Managing Director of the UK home and personal care business. In 2007 he became Chairman of Unilever UK and Ireland, as the company consolidated its three separate operating companies – foods, home and personal care and ice cream into a single business as part of its One Unilever programme. He was appointed President of the Americas in 2010.

Kevin Havelock

Kevin Havelock is Executive Vice President Global Ice Cream category, with overall responsibility for Unilever’s ice cream business.

Kevin joined Unilever in 1985 as a Marketing Manager, moving on to management roles in Germany and in the UK. In 1994, he was appointed Marketing Director Van Der Bergh UK, and charged with developing a strategy to build a third pillar for the business in the growing Savoury category. In this role, he also turned around the UK tea business through the innovation and launch of PG Tips Pyramid tea bags, regaining share leadership.

In 1997, Kevin was appointed Chairman France Foods and Chairman Beverages Europe, building global growth platforms for the Unilever Beverages category. In 2000, he took on the role of Chairman Unilever Arabia and Category Chairman Skin, Deodorants and Beverages Arabia Middle East and Turkey, regenerating growth in a business previously declining at 6%. In 2004, he led a similar turnaround as Managing Director for Unilever UK Foods, arresting sales decline, developing the IncsChrysalis concept from initial vision to Execution.

In 2007, Havelock was appointed Executive Vice President Unilever North America and Caribbean, delivering organic growth of 4% during recession, while divesting $2bn of non-core assets in Household Care and Foods, building customer relationships and building the first CiiC centre. In this role, he also executed Unilever’s bigger ever business systems and IT transformation project.

He has been in his current role heading up the ice cream business since 2009.

Before joining Unilever, from 1979 to 1985, he held Marketing and Sales management roles with Guinness UK.

Antoine de Saint Affrique

Antoine de Saint Affrique, currently Executive Vice President Skin Category, leads Unilever’s skin cleansing, skin care and face care categories.

Antoine started his career in Unilever in 1989, within Elida Gibbs Faberge. He then moved on, in 1995 to Chesebrough Pond's USA where he held various roles, the latest being to lead the company’s Oral Care business.

In 1997, Antoine left Unilever to become Marketing VP of Liebig Maille Amora (Group Danone) and taking part in mid-1997, of the LBO of Amora-Maille. The company was run for three years as a private business (Paribas Affaires Industrielles and Lazard being the main shareholders), before being sold to Unilever in 200.

Antoine rejoined Unilever and was appointed European Category Director – Dressings at Unilever Bestfoods Europe. In 2002, he was named Chairman and National Manager, Unilever Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia.

In 2005, Antoine was appointed Executive Vice President Unilever Central & Eastern Europe, overseeing 21 countries. He was appointed to his current role as head of Skin in 2009.

Michael B. Polk

Michael is currently President Global Foods, Home & Personal Care, having been President of Unilever Americas with responsibility for Unilever’s business in North America and Latin America. He is a member of the Unilever Executive reporting to the Chief Executive. He also serves as the Functional Executive for Global Customer Development and the recently acquired TIGI Global Professional Haircare business unit. Prior to his current assignment Polk was President, Unilever United States.

Polk joined Unilever in 2003 having spent the 16 prior years at Kraft Foods where he was a member of the Management Committee. His last assignment was as Group Vice President, Kraft Foods North America and President of the Biscuits, Snacks, and Confections business. In that role, he led the integration of Nabisco into Kraft. He held a variety of other leadership positions at Kraft including President, Asia Pacific Region, Executive Vice President and General Manager Cereals, and Vice President Category Sales Management & Strategy. Prior to joining Kraft, Polk spent three years at Procter & Gamble in Manufacturing and Research & Development.

Michael is a Non-Executive Director of Newell Rubbermaid and a member of the Boards of Directors of the Pepsi-Lipton Partnership, the Grocery Manufacturers of America, and the Students in Free Enterprise. Michael is a former member of the Boards of The Yankee Candle Company, Ajinimoto General Foods, and Dong Suh Foods.

Safe Harbour

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘intends’, ‘believes’ or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Group. They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, competitive pricing and activities, economic slowdown, industry consolidation, access to credit markets, recruitment levels, reputational risks, commodity prices, continued availability of raw materials, prioritisation of projects, consumption levels, costs, the ability to maintain and manage key customer relationships and supply chain sources, consumer demands, currency values, interest rates, the ability to integrate acquisitions and complete planned divestitures, the ability to complete planned restructuring activities, physical risks, environmental risks, the ability to manage regulatory, tax and legal matters and resolve pending matters within current estimates, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, political, economic and social conditions in the geographic markets where the Group operates and new or changed priorities of the Boards. Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are described in the Group’s filings with the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Group’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Solar heaters for South African homes

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:20:00 GMT

17/06/11: A Unilever sustainability initiative is providing solar water heaters for 2,000 low-income homes near Durban.

Affordable hot water

The teams behind Unilever’s Sunlight brand in Durban, South Africa, are leading a programme to fit solar water heaters at homes in a local low-income community. In partnership with Inti Solar, manufacturers of solar water heating and lighting systems, the Sunlight Solar initiative is installing low running cost domestic water heaters in a bid to reduce energy consumption, promote renewable energy and provide a reliable source of hot water for households. And the move makes business sense too.

Providing more solar heaters

According to Chris Loxley, from Unilever Research & Development and part of the team responsible for the initiative, “This is of interest to us because we sell products that rely on heating water and because the majority of our carbon footprint comes from the use of our products rather than in their manufacture.”

Every heater installed equates to a saving on carbon-based fuels or electricity. In South Africa, this equates to about 1.2 tonnes of carbon emissions per home per year. This can be traded as ‘carbon credits’.

Carbon credits are tradable certificates representing the right to emit a tonne of carbon. Under a mechanism established as part of the Kyoto Protocol, these credits can be traded privately, through a broker or on spot markets like any stock. They are used to ‘offset’ emissions that cannot currently be avoided by helping to fund a reduction in emissions somewhere else.

Because we are involved in facilitating the installation of the Sunlight Solar water heaters, we get a 50% share of the carbon credit generated. This means that, by year two or three, we will begin to see a significant return on our investment, which can be reinvested to provide further solar heaters.

Unilever updates

Unilever PLC initiates offer to increase stake in Hindustan Unilever

About Hindustan Unilever

Accounting Information

Currencies

About Unilever

Safe Harbour

Unilever growth momentum continues in first quarter 2013

First quarter highlights

Personal Care

Foods

Home Care

Refreshment

Safe Harbour

Unilever’s Q1 2013 results released today

Unilever Sustainable Living Plan helping to drive growth

Unilever Sustainable Living Plan 2nd Year Progress

Help more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being

Source 100% of agricultural raw materials sustainably

Halve the environmental footprint of its products across the value chain

Looking ahead

Safe harbour

Unilever factories and logistics reduce CO2 by 1 million tonnes

Game changers

Safe harbour

Annual General Meetings (re-)elections and Board Committee Memberships

Audit Committee

Compensation & Management Resources Committee

Corporate Responsibility Committee

Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee

Byron Grote (Chair)

Paul Walsh (Chair)

Louise Fresco (Chair)

Kees Storm (Chair)

Safe harbour:

Unilever Czech Republic acquires SAVO brand

About SAVO brand

About Bochemie Group

Safe harbour

Unilever Lifebuoy premieres unique film to launch pioneering health campaign

Safe harbour:

World Toilet Day

Public Toilet

Why get involved?

Unilever investing in fast-growing emerging markets

Unilever completes global Skippy sale outside of China

Safe harbour:

About Hormel Foods:

Unilever to invest €75 million in building capacity and capability in South Africa

ENDS

Safe Harbour

Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition puts sustainable business models on Davos agenda

Circular economy: innovation

Collaborating and scaling up

Redesign of business valuation models

Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition

Safe Harbour

Unilever wins 2013 Catalyst Award for gender diversity

About Catalyst

About the Catalyst award

Safe Harbour

For media inquiries, please contact:

Unilever reduces waste by one million household bins while growing business

Safe Harbour

Unilever reports strong, broad-based growth in 2012

Full year highlights

Fourth quarter highlights

Our markets

Unilever performance

Personal Care

Foods

Refreshment

Home Care

Safe Harbour

Unilever’s Q4 and full year 2012 results released today

Unilever's hygiene brand Domestos to break taboo of the loo

First Domestos Toilet Academy opened in Vietnam

Everyone can help to break the Taboo of the Loo

Working with others to achieve the MDGs

About World Toilet Day:

Unilever Sustainable Living Plan 2^nd Year Progress