Business Profile of Unilever - One of the Largest Global Consumer Goods Company

To add vitality to life, that is the corporate mission of Unilever. The mission shows clearly that Unilever understands the new generation of 21^st century consumers. Despite its contemporary mission statement has formed an integral part of its rich history.

In the 1890s, Victorian England, William Hesketh Lever established himself in consumer goods history by writing down his idea for Sunlight Soap. The idea was to make hygiene and cleanliness commonplace and the ease the difficulty in attaining it. This would then in turn improve health standards and promote personal attractiveness. Thereby, the lives of the consumers are more enjoyable and rewarding.

In the new millennium, Unilever embarked on its Path to Growth strategy, a five-year growth strategy. The strategy is firmly focused on global brands with high-potential. This would allow Unilever to deliver its products on a standardized delivery platform and a unified equity for the brand. Inline with core strategy, Unilever has divested its frozen foods in Europe and is looking to divest its laundry brands in North America, although it is a $2.5 billion dollar for Unilever. These categories are not deemed to be brands with high-potential.

Under the leadership of CEO, Patrick Cescau, Unilever is now a $49.7 billion business globally in 2006. Today the Company's product covers a multitude of brands in its broadly defined categories of food, home and personal care.

With its CEO and incoming CFO, James Lawrence, Unilever is moving into its next phase of growth. On the back of strong financial performance, 16% rise in net profits for Q2 2007, the Company is striving to deliver its promise of 15% operating margin by 2010. Shareholders are optimistic that is deliverable coupled with the increase in commodity prices offset against the internal restructure savings of 'One Unilever'.