Unilever to Offload Plant-Based Meat Brand The Vegetarian Butcher: Report

Unilever is reportedly in talks to sell its plant-based meat brand, The Vegetarian Butcher, which it purchased six years ago. The move is part of Unilever's strategy to streamline its food portfolio and focus on its international megabrands. The Vegetarian Butcher, founded in 2007, has seen sales growth globally and its products are available in 55 countries and over 40,000 retail locations.

The decision to sell The Vegetarian Butcher comes as Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher aims to "prune" the company's food portfolio and focus on brands generating around £1B in annual sales. While it may seem surprising that Unilever is offloading a plant-based brand at a time when the demand for sustainable alternatives is growing, the move aligns with the company's larger strategy to consolidate its business and focus on its core brands.