Unilever to sell Graze business to Katjes International

Unilever has agreed to sell the Graze business to Katjes International, with the healthier snacking brand set to sit within the Candy Kittens group in the UK. The transaction is expected to complete in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Unilever acquired Graze in 2019, guiding its shift from a Direct-to-Consumer operation to a brand with strong visibility across UK retail. During this period, Graze updated its visual identity, strengthened its retail presence, and improved profitability while sustaining growth.

Unilever sharpens focus on core food categories

The divestment aligns with Unilever’s strategic ambition to concentrate on three global food categories: condiments, cooking aids and mini meals, and Unilever Food Solutions. These areas are anchored in large global brands, and the company is refining its portfolio to support long-term scale and performance.

Graze maintains a distinct positioning within healthier snacking, supported by a standalone manufacturing facility and a proposition that differs from Unilever’s other food brands. Unilever stated that Graze’s growth potential will be better realised under the ownership of Katjes International and the Candy Kittens group, whose portfolios and category expertise are more closely aligned.

Georgina Bradford, General Manager, UKI Foods: “Graze has transformed into a retail-focused brand which continues to redefine healthy snacking with innovations that stay a step ahead on nutrition, never compromise on taste, and remain true to its distinctive and much-loved style. The brand is now well positioned for its next phase of growth, which we are confident will be best unlocked under its ownership with dedicated focus on its healthier snacking mission."

Katjes International and Candy Kittens outline ambitions

Bastian Fassin, Managing Shareholder, Katjes International: “Graze is one of the leading healthy snacking brands in the UK. With its strong brand awareness and strategic positioning, Graze is a perfect fit for our strategy to continue growing with strong consumer brands.”

Jamie Laing, Founder, Candy Kittens: “I’ve always loved Graze — they changed the way the UK thinks about healthier snacking, and I think we can take that even further. I’m excited about this project and grateful for the opportunity to continue building the Graze brand”.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

www.unilever.com

www.katjes-international.de

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