Unilever reorganizes European Foods R&D

Unilever has announced plans to reshape its Foods R&D organization in Europe. The move will reportedly provide the focus and critical mass to deliver solutions for both the European and global market.

The new structure will see new product development concentrated in six Centers of Excellence across Europe. Each will establish technical capabilities for global, regional and local innovations. In addition, local adaptation and implementation of Foods solutions will be ensured through consolidated country and factory teams.

Implementation of the changes in Unilever's European Foods R&D organization will commence in 2007 and be completed by the end of 2008.

Today's announcement follows an extensive Science & Technology Review led by. Vindi Banga said: "The review showed that we have great people and strong capabilities. However, it also showed that

“By organizing ourselves so that we could leverage our scale and play to our strengths, we could improve our market competitiveness,” Vindi Banga, president of Unilever's Foods Category. “By getting the benefits of focus and synergies I am convinced that we will make a significant difference to our innovation delivery."