Anglo-Dutch consumer products giant Unilever has reportedly sued Dutch retailer Ahold, claiming that the retailer’s Albert Heijn grocery chain has copied some of Unilever’s packaging.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Unilever claims Albert Heijn has copied the packaging of certain Unilever brands, including Lipton ice tea and Blue Band margarine, for its supermarket own-brand products, reported the Associated Press.


“Albert Heijn is one of our biggest customers, so we don’t do this lightly. They have crossed the line,” Unilever spokesman Richard Van der Eijk told AP. “These are copies of our products, but the quality is not the same.”


Ahold has denied any wrongdoing: “This suit is unfounded, and that’s putting it mildly,” spokesman Hans Koeleman was quoted as saying. “We have a right to offer good alternatives to A-brands for a better price.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData