UK – Unilever is investing 80 million reais (US$16.2 million) to expand its production of Hellmann’s mayonnaise at the Pouso Alegre plant in Brazil’s south-eastern state of Minas Gerais.
The investment will add a new production line, scheduled to be completed by May 2025, and is expected to result in a “double-digit” increase in production capacity at the facility, which is Unilever’s largest food operation in Latin America.
The Pouso Alegre plant, opened in 1974, currently produces more than 200 SKUs (stock-keeping units), including Hellmann’s mayonnaise and Knorr bouillon cubes.
While Unilever did not disclose whether the investment would create new roles, meanwhile the facility employs approximately 800 people reflecting the company’s commitment to meeting the growing consumption potential of the market.
Over the past three years, Unilever’s nutrition division in Brazil has experienced a 50% growth, with the Hellmann’s brand doubling in size during the same period.
Edmundo Mollo, the director of the Pouso Alegre factory, emphasized the plant’s role as a reference in sustainable actions, showcasing Unilever’s commitment to responsible and efficient manufacturing practices.
“This investment reflects Unilever’s strategy to enhance production capabilities, meet consumer demand, and support the growth of its popular food brands in key markets,” he added.
“The expansion of Hellmann’s production in Brazil is a significant step for Unilever, reinforcing its position in Latin America’s food industry.”
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