Unilever Expects No Major Job Losses in Netherlands After Food Division Sale to McCormick

Unilever does not expect significant job losses in the Netherlands following the sale of its food division to U.S.-based McCormick & Co. The division, which includes well-known brands such as Knorr and Calvé, employs around 1,000 people in the country and is headquartered in Rotterdam.

During the company’s quarterly results discussion, Unilever Chief Financial Officer Srinivas Phatak said the new company created through the transaction will maintain a strong presence in the Netherlands. He confirmed that the country will continue to play an important role, with an international headquarters planned alongside the global headquarters in the United States.

Dutch Operations and Research Activities to Continue

Phatak emphasized that Dutch operations and infrastructure will remain unchanged following the transaction.

Srinivas Phatak, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Unilever:

"Nothing is going to change in the infrastructure. We are keeping a strong base in the Netherlands, and we are happy about that."

The CFO made the statement in response to questions from Dutch financial newspaper FD about potential job losses in the Netherlands. He added that the food division’s global research center in Wageningen will continue operating, ensuring that key research activities remain in the country.

The continued presence of the Rotterdam headquarters and Wageningen research center highlights the Netherlands’ important role in the future structure of the combined business.

McCormick Deal Valued at €39 billion (USD 45.6 billion)

Unilever announced the sale of its food division to McCormick in March in a deal valued at €39 billion (USD 45.6 billion). At the time of the announcement, the company said it was too early to comment on possible impacts for employees. 

The transaction will bring Unilever’s food brands, including Knorr and Calvé, under McCormick’s ownership while maintaining important operations and capabilities in the Netherlands. McCormick has also confirmed plans to establish an international headquarters in the Netherlands alongside its global headquarters in the United States.