Unilever has announced its intention to sell The Vegetarian Butcher, a plant-based meat alternative brand, as part of its strategic efforts to streamline its brand portfolio. This decision surfaces six years after acquiring the company, which has been a successful player in the plant-based market.
The company is collaborating with Piper Sandler to facilitate the sale, reaching out to potential buyers interested in acquiring the brand. The Vegetarian Butcher, established in 2007, has gained significant traction and is currently available in major retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Ocado.
Although the precise valuation of the sale remains undisclosed, sources indicate that The Vegetarian Butcher has been experiencing robust sales and volume growth. Unilever’s decision aligns with CEO Hein Schumacher’s recent statements about optimising the company’s brand portfolio by offloading certain brands that collectively generate approximately £1 billion in annual sales.
There have been precedents for such strategic decisions at Unilever, as the company previously considered selling its extensive ice cream division due to its size and valuation. However, the plan was retracted, with the company now contemplating a spin-off for this multi-billion-pound segment.
Unilever’s move to sell The Vegetarian Butcher reflects its broader strategy to refine its brand portfolio, focusing on streamlining operations. While the brand is performing well, this step indicates a prioritisation of core assets as the company continues to evaluate its extensive array of brands.
