The consumer-goods giant subjected its product range to broader scrutiny after ShareAction, a responsible investment charity, championed a resolution urging the company to do the reporting.
Unilever’s rivals have yet to do the same. Unilever, the owner of brands ranging from Hellmann’s mayonnaise to Magnum ice cream, is now telling investors how healthy -- or unhealthy -- its food is, based not just on its own criteria, but on those of six government-endorsed nutritional models.
The consumer-goods giant subjected its product range to broader scrutiny after ShareAction, a responsible investment charity, championed a resolution urging the company to do the reporting.
Unilever’s rivals have yet to do the same. “Unilever has taken a bold step forward by publishing the healthiness of its portfolio against recognized government-endorsed metrics on nutrition," said Holly Gabriel, campaign lead at ShareAction. “This sets a new precedent for global food manufacturers." For investors, the healthiness of food and beverages has become an increasing concern as governments try to curb illness and obesity by banning or slapping warning labels on junk food, and as more consumers adopt healthier lifestyles.