According to Hein Schumacher, CEO of Unilever, it is intended to “slim down the rather eclectic portfolio of food brands with a focus on sauces, condiments and products for restaurants.”

Unilever has in excess of 400 brands worldwide and is undertaking a rationalization program to simplify its business model.  Products on the block include ice cream including Magnum and Ben and Jerry’s in the U.S. in addition to Unox soups and Conimex seasoning marketed in Europe.

Schumacher noted, “We are not conducting a fire sale” suggesting that brands would be disposed of at acceptable prices to the Unilever Board.