Unilever has played down suggestions that today’s (21 July) deal to sell its Bertolli olive oil business signals a plan to completely withdraw from the category.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

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

Find out more


The company’s deal with Spanish food firm Grupo SOS follows the sale of Turkish olive oil brand Komili earlier this month.


The moves leave Unilever with olive oil businesses in Portugal and Greece but a spokesman for the consumer goods giant said the company had no immediate plans to also offload those operations.


“You cannot extrapolate from Bertolli and say that’s the end for olive oil in other countries,” the spokesman told just-food. “It’s horses for courses. Brands play different roles in national portfolios.”


The spokesman did concede, however, that olive oil is more of a commodity product compared to the rest of Unilever’s food portfolio.

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

“If you look at the bulk of our portfolio, it’s all about premium goods. Olive oil is olive oil is olive oil. There’s not a great deal of added-value that one can build into it.”


Unilever’s EUR630m (US$1bn) deal with Grupo SOS, which also owns the Carbonell olive oil brand, will see the Spaniards take on the Bertolli brand in olive oil and vinegar, as well olive oil and seed oil assets in Italy.


Unilever will hang on to the Bertolli brand in all other categories, including margarine, pasta sauces and frozen meals.


The sale of the olive oil business is part of Unilever’s plans to offload “non-strategic” brands worth over EUR2bn and which has seen the sale of Boursin cheese and US spice business Lawry’s in recent months.


The Unilever spokesman refused to be drawn on any further disposals from the company’s food business but said it is “always looking” at its portfolio to see where acquisitions or sales could be made.

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now