Colman’s Mustard has been put up for sale by Unilever as the FMCG giant seeks to address competition concerns ahead of its planned merger of Unilever Foods with US food company McCormick.
The move has raised questions over the future ownership of one of the UK’s best-known condiment brands, which was founded by Jeremiah Colman in Norfolk in 1814 and remains closely associated with Norwich despite production leaving the city several years ago.
Unilever confirmed it is marketing the Colman’s brand and associated assets to potential buyers as part of preparations for the proposed transaction. McCormick already owns French’s, one of the largest mustard brands in the world, creating potential competition issues if both brands were to sit within the same business.
A spokesperson for Unilever said discussions are ongoing and operations are continuing as normal while a buyer is sought.
The development marks another chapter in the brand’s long history. Colman’s operated from its Carrow Works site in Norwich for more than 160 years before the final jars of mustard rolled off the production line in 2019. The factory closed in 2020, with manufacturing transferred to Burton-on-Trent and Germany.
Although the sale does not threaten the continued production of Colman’s mustard, it does mean the brand will almost certainly move into new ownership if the wider merger proceeds. Financial details of the potential disposal have not been disclosed.
The sale comes as Unilever continues to reshape its portfolio, having already divested several food brands in recent years while increasing its focus on higher-growth areas of its business.
