Unilever Pakistan Limited, formerly known as Lever Brothers Pakistan Limited, is a Pakistani fast-moving consumer goods company based in Karachi. It is a subsidiary of the British multinational company Unilever.
History
Unilever Pakistan Limited was founded as Lever Brothers Pakistan Limited in 1948.[2] The town of Rahim Yar Khan was the site chosen for setting up a personal care factory. In the mid 1960s, the company shifted its headquarters to Karachi from the Rahim Yar Khan site.[3]
In 1989, Unilever merged with Lipton in 1989 and later with Brooke Bond in 1997.[2] In May 1995, it expanded into ice cream manufacturing by amalgamating with Polka.[2]
In 2008, Unilever closed its Lipton tea factory in Karachi and instead contracted out packaging of branded tea to a local company that employs people on a temporary basis.[5]
It has four factories operating in the country.[4]
In August 2024, the Competition Commission of Pakistan imposed a Rs. 60 million fine on Unilever Pakistan for airing television commercials containing deceptive claims for its hygiene and cleansing products, ‘Lifebuoy Hand Wash’ and ‘Lifebuoy Soap’.[6]
In 2003, Unilever announced the strategic decision to sell off the Dalda brand in both India and Pakistan.[7] In 2003, Bunge Limited acquired the Dalda brand from Hindustan Unilever Limited for reportedly under Rs 100 crore.[8] On 30 March 2004, Unilever Pakistan accepted an offer of Rs. 1.33 billion for the sale of its Dalda brand and related business of edible oils and fats to the newly incorporated company Dalda Foods (Pvt.) Limited.[9]
