Hindustan Unilever History

Hindustan Unilever History

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HUL or popularly known as Hindustan Unilever, began its journey in 1988 as ‘Sunlight Soap’ and never looked back. With more than 50 plus brands under its name, HUL is one of the fastest growing FMCG (Food Moving Consumer Goods) brands. It offers products in various categories like home and hygiene, essentials, tea, coffee, skin cleansing, color cosmetics, ice cream and more. Keep reading to learn more about Hindustan Unilever, Hindustan Unilever products, HUL company, Hindustan Unilever CEO, Unilever owner, Hindustan Unilever limited history and more.

All you need to know about Hindustan Unilever (HUL)

Year Of Establishment

17 October 1933

Hindustan Unilever Founder

Hindustan Vanaspati Mfg. Co. Ltd., United Traders Ltd. Lever Brothers

Unilever Owner

Unilever PLC

Headquarters

Mumbai, India

Hindustan Unilever CEO

Rohit Jawa

Company

Public

Business

Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)

Hindustan Unilever Products

Brooke Bond, Lipton, Horlicks, Boost, Bru, Kissan, Knorr, Hellmann's, Kwality Wall's, and Magnum.

Hindustan Unilever Brands

Food

  • Annapurna salt and Atta (formerly known as Kissan Annapurna)
  • Bru coffee
  • Brooke Bond tea
  • Kissan squashes, ketchups, juices and jams
  • Lipton ice tea
  • Knorr soups & meal makers and soupy noodles
  • Kwality Wall’s frozen dessert
  • Hellmann’s mayonnaise
  • Magnum (ice cream)
  • Cornetto Ice cream cone
  • Horlicks (Health Drink)

Homecare

  • Active Wheel detergent
  • Cif Cream Cleaner
  • Comfort fabric softeners
  • Domex disinfectant/toilet cleaner
  • Nature Protect disinfectant surface cleaner
  • Rin detergents and bleach
  • Sunlight detergent and colour care
  • Surf Excel detergent and gentle wash
  • Vim dishwash
  • Magic – Water Saver

Personal care

  • Aviance Beauty Solutions
  • Axe deodorant, aftershave lotion and soap
  • LEVER Ayush Therapy ayurvedic health care and personal care products
  • International breeze
  • Brylcreem hair cream and hair gel
  • Clear anti-dandruff hair products
  • Clinic Plus shampoo and oil
  • Close Up toothpaste
  • Dove skin cleansing & hair care range: bar, lotions, creams and anti-perspirant deodorants
  • Denim shaving products
  • Glow and Lovely, skin lightening cream
  • Hamam
  • Indulekha
  • Lakmé beauty products and salons
  • Lifebuoy soaps and handwash range
  • Liril 2000 soap
  • Lux soap, body wash & deodorant
  • Pears soap, body wash
  • Pepsodent toothpaste
  • Pond’s creams & talcs
  • Rexona
  • Sunsilk shampoo
  • Sure anti-perspirant
  • Vaseline petroleum jelly, skincare lotions
  • TRESemmé
  • TIGI

Water purifier

  • Pureit

Market Capitalization

₹6.301 Trillion

Revenue

₹62,707 crore (2024)

Operating Income

₹13,924 crore (2024)

Net Income

₹10,282 crore (2024)

Total Assets

₹78,499 crore (2024)

Total Equity

₹51,423 crore (2024)

No. Of Employees

2100

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Table of Contents

  1. All you need to know about Hindustan Unilever (HUL)
  2. Timeline: History of Hindustan Unilever
  3. List of Hindustan Unilever Limited Subsidiaries

Timeline: History of Hindustan Unilever

  • 1888: Sunlight Soap was introduced in India.
  • 1895:
    Lifebuoy Soap was introduced.
    Lever Brothers hired representatives in 4 cities - Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Karachi.
  • 1902: Pears Soap was introduced in India.
  • 1903: The tea brand Brooke Bond Red Label was introduced.
  • 1905: Lux flakes were introduced.
  • 1913: Vim scouring powder was introduced.
  • 1914: Vinolia soap was introduced.
  • 1918: Vanaspati was introduced by Dutch margarine producers, including Hartogs, Verschure Creameries, Jurgens, and Van den Berghs.
  • 1922: Rinso soup powder was introduced.
  • 1924: Gibbs dental preparations were introduced.
  • 1925: Lever Brothers took over North West Soap Company.
  • 1926: The Dalda trademark was registered by Hartogs.
  • 1930: On 1st January, Lever Brothers and Margarine unite to establish Unilever.
  • 1931
     On 27th November 27, Hindustan Vanaspati Manufacturing Company was registered.
    The Sewri plant site was acquired.
  • 1932: Vanaspati production started at the Sewri plant.
  •  1933
    On 17th October, Lever Brothers India Ltd was incorporated.  
    An application was submitted to build a soap plant close to the Vanaspati factory in Sewri.
  • 1934:
    October marks the start of soap production at the Sewri facility;
    The North West Soap Company rented the Garden Reach Factory in Kolkata and expanded it to produce Lever brand products.
  • 1935: On 11th May, United Traders, one of the biggest personal care brands was launched.
  • 1937: India’s one of first covenant managers – Mr. Prakash Tandon, joins HVM.
  • 1939
     Rented in 1935, Garden Reach Factory was purchased in 1939.
    HUL focuses on building up Dalda Vanaspati as a brand.
  • 1943: HUL starts production of personal products in The Garden Reach Factory in India.
  • 1947: Pond's Cold Cream was launched.
  • 1956: HUL merged three businesses, with a 10% Indian ownership stake.
  • 1957: HUL approved a special committee for research activity.
  • 1958: The Special Committee approved a research unit that began its operations at the Mumbai Factory.
  • 1959: Surf was launched.
  • 1961: Mr. Prakash Tandon was named as the first Indian Chairman.
  • 1962: The new Formal Exports Department starts.
  • 1963: Head Office was inaugurated at Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai.
  • 1964: Sunsilk Shampoo was introduced.
  • 1965: 14% increase in Indian shareholding.
  • 1966:
    Lever’s Baby Food was introduced along with other food products.
    Taj Mahal Tea was introduced.
  • 1967: The Hindustan Unilever Research Centre was opened in Mumbai.
  • 1968: Mr V. G. Rajadhyaksha took over as Chairman from Mr Prakash Tandon.
  • 1969
     Rin Bar and Bru Coffee were launched.
    Production of Fine Chemical Units was started.
  • 1971: Clinic shampoo was launched.
  • 1973: Mr T. Thomas took over as Chairman from Mr V. G. Rajadhyaksha. 
  • 1974: Liril was introduced.
  • 1975: Close-up toothpaste was introduced.
  • 1977
    Indian shareholding increased to 18.57% from 14%.
    Synthetic Detergents Plant was introduced in Jammu.
  • 1978
    Indian shareholding increases to 34% from 18.57%.
    Fair & Lovely skin cream was introduced.
  • 1980: Dr A. S. Ganguly takes over as Chairman from Mr T. Thomas.
  • 1986: The agri-products unit starts operating in Hyderabad.
  • 1988: Lipton Taaza tea was launched.
  • 1990: Mr. S. M. Datta took over as Chairman from Dr. A. S. Ganguly.
  • 1991: Surf Ultra detergent was launched.
  • 1992: The Government of India recognized HUL as the Star Trading House in Exports.
  • 1993: HUL ventured into the food business when Brooke Bond India acquired the Kissan Brand from the United Breweries Group.
  • 1994
    Tata Oil Mills Company (TOMCO) merged with HUL making it the largest in the Indian market.
    HUL established Unilever Nepal Limited
    A 50:50 joint venture with US-based Kimberly-Clark Corporation was formed.
  • 1995:
    HUL purchased the brand names and distribution assets of Milkfood 100% and Kwality. HUL presents walls.
    With salt, HUL entered the branded staples market as Super Star Trading House.
  • 1996:
    HUL merged with Lakme in a 50:50 joint venture.
  • 1997
    HUL opened a new Regional Innovation Center.
    It established an international research laboratory in Bangalore.
  • 1998: On Jan 1St, Pond's India Ltd., a group firm, combines with HUL.
  • 2000:  
    Mr M. S. Banga becomes chairman and K. B. Dadiseth joins the Unilever Board.
    74% of shares were brought in Modern Food Industries Ltd.
  • 2002: HUL joins the Ayurvedic health & beauty centre industry with the Ayush line and Ayush Treatment Centers.
  • 2003
    Hindustan Lever Network was launched.
    The Amalgam Group was acquired.
  • 2004: Pureit carries a Chennai marketing trail.
  • 2005: On July 1, Harish Manwani succeeded Mr M. S. Banga as chairman.
  • 2006: Food production of Brookefields was relocated to Mumbai.
  • 2007: On May 18, at the 74th Annual General Meeting, post shareholders’ approval, the company changed its name to Hindustan Unilever Ltd.
  • 2008:
    On Oct 17, HUL completed its 75 years.
  • Pureit was introduced throughout India.
  • 2010
    HUL relocated to Andheri, Mumbai's ‘Unilever House,’ its new headquarters.
    Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF) was also established to support the nation's top socioeconomic development initiatives.
  • 2013
    On Oct 27th, HUL celebrated the 80th anniversary.
  • ‘Prabhat’ (Dawn), an initiative associated with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) was introduced. It interacted with and supported the growth of regional communities close to the production facilities.
  • In Oct, Sanjiv Mehta was appointed HUL's managing director.
  • Unilever opened its first aerosol facility in Asia in Khamgaon.
  • 2014
    The 'Winning in Many Indias’ operational frameworks took was launched all over India.
    In addition to the already established sales offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, 3 new sales offices were launched in Lucknow, Indore, and Bangalore.
  • 2015: HUL and Mosons Group and entered a contract to purchase Indulekha
  • 2016
    Sales of ₹2000 crore were crossed by Brooke Bond, Lifebuoy, Wheel, Fair & Lovely & Rin.
    Sales of ₹3000 crore was crossed by Surf Excel. 
  • 2017: On March 11, 2017, a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant was launched at the Doom Dooma Industrial Estate in Assam.
  • 2018: HUL executes a contract with Vijaykant Dairy and Food Products Ltd (VDFPL) and its group company to purchase the ice cream and frozen desserts business, including its leading brand Adityaa Milk and front-end distribution network across regions.
  • 2020: HUL announced the purchase of VWash, the industry brand in the female intimate hygiene sector.
  • 2022
    For FY 2021-22, HUL exceeded INR 50,000 Crore in revenue.
    In July, HUL opened a new Home Care facility, and an automated distribution centre.
  • 2023: With effect from Jun 27th, 2023, Rohit Jawa was named CEO and Managing Director of HUL.

List of Hindustan Unilever Limited Subsidiaries

Sr.No.

Subsidiaries

 

Industry Type

Overview

1.

Lakmé Cosmetics

 

Cosmetics Company

Lakmé Cosmetics offers skincare, beauty treatments, color cosmetics through their chain of Lakmé Salons across India.

2.

Levindra Trust Limited

 

Unlisted Public Company.

Levindra Trust Limited enagages into financial intermediation such as investment management, property management, and philanthropy.

3.

Lakme Lever Private Limited

 

Beauty and personal care industry

Lakme Lever Private Limited also famously known as Lakme offers skincare and cosmetics products.

4.

Kwality Wall's

 

Manufacturer

Kwality Wall's offers frozen desserts and ice cream such as tubs, sticks, cones, etc pan India.

5.

Daverashola Estates Private Limited

 

Agricultural activities

Daverashola Estates Private Limited is known for manufacturing premium tea producing green, orthodox, and CTC teas.

6.

Pond's Exports Limited

 

Manufacturing

Pond's Exports Limited exports various products such as skincare, hair care, and cosmetics.

7.

Jamnagar Properties Private Limited

 

Real estate

Jamnagar Properties Private Limited is well well-known for offering luxury residential and commercial developments in Mumbai.

8.

Unilever Nepal

 

HomeCare

Unilever Nepal offers various products related to personal care, food and beverage, and home care.

9.

Hindustan Unilever Foundation

 

Non-for-profit organization

Hindustan Unilever Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on sustainable development and improvement in quality of life.

10.

Unilever Europe Business Center B.V.

 

FMCG

Unilever Europe Business Center B.V. focuses on offering services such as human resources, finance, information technology, logistics, and procurement.

11.

Zywie Ventures Private Limited

 

Unlisted corporations

Zywie Ventures Private Limited creates innovative software and hardware for the healthcare industry.

12.

Unilever India Exports Limited

 

Exports FMCG products

Unilever India Exports Limited focuses on exporting various products related to personal care, food and drinks, and home care.

13.

Bhavishya Alliance Child Nutrition Initiatives

 

Personal & Social Services

Bhavishya Alliance Child Nutrition Initiatives aims to improve children’s nutritional condition.

Conclusion
HUL or Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)’s long history began in the pre-Independence era making several remarkable decisions positively impacting the Indian market. While expanding its portfolio, HUL kept its beliefs and ideas strong which can be observed in its products and offerings. Alongside offering innovative and customer-centric products, HUL is also dedicated to sustainability, social responsibility, and community development.

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FAQs on Hindustan Unilever (HUL) History

Margarine Unie and Lever Brothers signed an agreement to create Unilever on 2 September 1929.

Hindustan Unilever is a joint venture of Unilever NV (The Netherlands) and Unilever PLC (UK), the parent companies.

Rohit Jawa is the CEO of Unilever.

The full legal name of Unilever Hindustan unilever limited.