Edward Devlin

Unilever has continued to expand its personal care presence with the acquisition of men’s soap brand Dr Squatch. The Dove and Lynx owner said the deal marked another step in moving its portfolio towards premium and high-growth spaces. Unilever signed an agreement to buy Dr Squatch from private equity firm Summit Partners for an undisclosed sum.

Profits at Flora Food Group have declined in the UK as the former Unilever spreads business invested in lower prices and a major marketing campaign for Flora to highlight its dairy-free credentials. Revenues at the UK arm of the Netherlands-headquartered group, which also owns Bertolli and Violife, fell 8.2% to £222.7m in the year to 31 December 2024 as a result of the increased promotions and reduced prices, as well as a dip in volumes, according to newly filed accounts.

Loss-making Meatless Farm is set to collapse into administration after a desperate search for new investment to save the plant-based brand proved fruitless. The Grocer understands a notice of intention to appoint administrators was filed on Friday (9 June) and all staff at the Leeds-headquartered group were let go. The Meatless Farm website is currently offline and the brand’s products are no longer available in supermarkets or with its foodservice partners.