Unilever announced today (1 December) the sale of its UK snacks division, Graze, to the German confectionery company Katjes International.
While the financial details remain undisclosed, the transaction is scheduled to conclude in the first half of 2026.
Recently, Sky News reported that Katjes was in advanced discussions to acquire Graze for approximately £35 million ($46.2 million).
Unilever acquired Graze in 2019 from the private-equity firm The Carlyle Group for about £150 million.
According to a statement from Unilever, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) giant noted that under its direction, “Graze has transformed its profitability and has continued to deliver growth in the retail channel.”
Unilever emphasized its commitment to “sharpening its portfolio for long-term growth and scalability,” indicating the need for “pruning the portfolio where relevant.”
The statement further noted, “Graze has good potential for future growth and development, which will be better realized under new ownership by Katjes International and the Candy Kittens group, given their category expertise and complementary product portfolio.”
Katjes previously acquired the UK vegan-confectionery brand Candy Kittens in 2019.
Graze initially launched as a subscription-based service offering boxes filled with healthier snacks focused on nuts and seeds.
Bastian Fassin, managing shareholder of Katjes International, stated: “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.”
Moreover, last month, Reuters reported that Unilever was evaluating the sale of UK brands Marmite, Colman’s, and Bovril.
Earlier this year, Unilever offloaded its pasta sauce retail range in Germany to Italian food producer Casalasco Group.
Additionally, the company announced the sale of meat-free brand The Vegetarian Butcher in January.
In October, Katjes acquired a 25% stake in German cookie-dough business SD Sugar Daddies for an undisclosed sum.
