Consumer Packaged Goods (Beauty, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods)
Strategic Profile
After spinning off its ice cream business, Unilever enters 2026 under pressure to execute its new strategy, manage pricing challenges and drive growth across key markets. In 2025 Unilever accelerated the strategic reshaping of its portfolio on higher-growth categories, with increased exposure to Beauty & Wellbeing and Personal Care. The company has set clear priorities for growth – building a brand portfolio for the future, with more Beauty, Wellbeing and Personal Care, prioritising premium segments and digital commerce, and anchoring growth in the US and India.
Cyborg Score Rationale
Underlying sales growth in 2025 was 3.5%, with underlying sales growth in the fourth quarter of 4.2% being the strongest of the year despite slowing markets. Power Brands continued to lead growth delivering 4.3% underlying sales growth in 2025, with business group performance led by Personal Care and Beauty & Wellbeing. However, 2026 growth is expected to be at the bottom end of the 4-6% underlying sales growth range reflecting slower market conditions.
Top Insights
Unilever completed spinoff of ice cream business, creating a more focused company better positioned for its premium growth strategy
Unilever acquired Wild and Dr. Squatch in 2025, enhancing its premium Personal Care portfolio
Unilever is now one of the fastest-growing consumer goods companies in the US through its 'US for US' localized strategy
The company increased marketing spend by around €1.2bn over the last two years, signaling commitment to brand building and category innovation
Named Competitors
Procter & Gamble — Diversified consumer goods including home care and personal care
Nestlé — Global food, beverage and nutrition company
PepsiCo — Beverage and snack food manufacturer and distributor
Hindustan Unilever — Unilever's subsidiary focused on Indian consumer goods market
Recent Developments
(February 2026) Unilever completed sale of Graze brand and announced agreement to sell Indonesia Tea Business
(January 2026) Unilever announced agreement to sell Home Care businesses in Colombia and Ecuador to Alicorp
(December 2025) Unilever completed demerger of The Magnum Ice Cream Company, creating more focused business structure
(September 2025) Unilever acquired Dr. Squatch to enhance premium Personal Care portfolio in North America
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