As one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, Unilever boasts an extensive portfolio of over 400 brands catering to diverse culinary tastes and preferences. Within this vast range exist several iconic food brands that have become household names. In this article, we explore the origins, product innovations, culinary expertise, and global impact of six prominent Unilever food brands: Calvé, Calvé Proef, Andrelon, Unilever Food Solutions, Unox, and Knorr.
Dutch Classics: Calvé and Calvé Proef
With roots dating back to 1887, Calvé is one of the Netherlands’ most cherished condiment brands. Originally a peanut butter company, Calvé has since expanded into mustards, mayonnaise, sauces, dressings, and snacks. Key offerings include their renowned peanut butter made from carefully roasted peanuts and rapeseed oil, and condiments like “Remoulade,” a creamy seafood sauce, and “Pepernoten” spiced cookies.
In 2012, Calvé launched the sub-brand Calvé Proef dedicated to food enthusiasts seeking bolder flavors. Calvé Proef pushes boundaries with unique creations like “Truffel Mayonnaise” and “Chipotle Ketchup.” By blending premium ingredients and imaginative recipes, Calvé Proef brings excitement to everyday condiments.
Natural Haircare: Andrelon
Shifting focus to haircare, Andrelon is another Dutch Unilever brand with heritage dating back to 1898. Andrelon offers shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products catering to all hair types and needs. Their formulas emphasize natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter. Popular lines include the “Botanicals” range containing floral extracts and the “Color & Shine” collection to nourish color-treated hair. With its gentle, plant-based formulations, Andrelon has become a trusted haircare brand.
Culinary Solutions: Unilever Food Solutions and Unox
Unilever Food Solutions provides ingredients, kitchen supplies, and expertise to foodservice professionals and restaurants. Their comprehensive portfolio includes sauces, stocks, oils, meats, ready meals and more, including options from brands like Hellmann’s, Knorr, and Calvé. Unilever Food Solutions enables chefs to efficiently create delicious, consistent dishes.
Unox, acquired by Unilever in 2018, is a leading brand of professional kitchen appliances like multifunctional ovens, blast chillers, and vacuum sealers. Renowned for precision cooking, Unox ovens combine convection, steam and air frying capabilities to give chefs flexibility and control. Unox and Unilever Food Solutions offer complete solutions for culinary professionals.
Global Flavor Inspiration: Knorr
With 182 years of culinary expertise, Knorr offers seasonings, bouillons, sauces, and meal kits drawing from diverse world cuisines. Signature products include flavorful broths and stocks like “Homestyle Stock Pots” and versatile “Recipe Bases” that provide quick meal starters. Knorr empowers home cooks to easily add international flair to everyday cooking. Their products are informed by a global team of chefs continuously exploring flavor trends.
Sustainability and Social Impact
As a responsible global company, Unilever actively works to reduce its environmental footprint and support communities. Initiatives like eco-friendly packaging, ethical sourcing, renewable energy facilities, and sustainable agriculture programs demonstrate their commitment. The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan outlines specific goals, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting women’s rights. Many brands also partner with initiatives advancing social causes. For example, Knorr works with the World Food Programme to tackle global hunger.
The Past and Future of Unilever Food Brands
For over a century, iconic Unilever food brands like Calvé, Knorr and Hellmann’s have earned devoted followings worldwide. Their continued evolution and expansion into new product categories reflect Unilever’s adaptability and drive for innovation. While treasured for their heritage, these brands also look to the future through initiatives like plant-based food development and ethical branding. Unilever deftly balances tradition with progress to remain relevant in dynamic markets. Though just a sample, these six brands exemplify Unilever’s capabilities to cater to diverse tastes and preferences globally. Their rich histories and innovative futures ensure Unilever’s iconic food brands will continue nourishing consumers for generations to come.