Hindustan Unilever is a household name in India in the consumer goods segment. The company is now entering the beauty, health and wellbeing space category by way of acquisitions.
The products and services offered by HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LIMITED are soaps, shampoos, skincare, deodorants, cosmetics, tea and coffee amongst many others.
Speaking to Business Standard in an interview, Madhusudhan Rao, executive director, personal care and beauty & wellbeing segment said, “ health and wellbeing is about Rs 18,000 crore and this is growing in double digits. There are many value properties and assets which we will go through the acquisition route.
HUL ‘s Acquisition
HUL started its journey in India in the segment in December 2022 by signing a deal to acquire a majority stake in Zywie Ventures. It sells plant based and clean-label consumer wellness brand Oziva. The deal was worth for Rs 264.28 crores (Rs 2.64 billion). It will also indirectly acquire its subsidiary Zenherb Labs.
HUL believes that post COVID , the awareness about health and wellbeing has exploded. “There is a mindset change from health as absence of disease, to health as a part of lifestyle,” Rao explained. The category initially grows in the digital space, as consumers typically look for information. Then D2C is the primary conduit for consumers to buy. Also retail outlets will also cater in a big way to the wellbeing products.
