Unilever reveals plans for USD270 million US global innovation centre

(Alliance News) - Unilever PLC on Thursday unveiled plans for a USD270 million US-based AI-powered global innovation centre which it said will help bring the next generation of products to consumers faster.

The London-based consumer goods firm, which owns brands such as Hellman's mayonnaise, Knorr stock cubes and Colman's mustard said the centre in New Haven, Connecticut will be home to research and development for its beauty, wellbeing and personal care 'Power Brands'.

Unilever expects the centre to open by spring 2029.

"By increasing the pace of scientific breakthroughs, it will enable us to bring the next generation of premium, market-making products to consumers faster, helping drive strong and consistent volume growth both in the US and globally," Unilever said in a statement.

The firm will invest USD270 million in the project over the long term, including USD50 million in capital expenditure, its biggest R&D capex investment in the US in 40 years. This builds on nearly USD15 billion invested in the US business over the past decade, across both acquisitions and capital projects, it added.

The FTSE 100-listing said the centre will enable faster scaling of product development via AI capabilities and enhance partnerships through access to a leading biosciences and quantum computing ecosystem

"This new centre is where we'll innovate at the intersection of science, technology and culture," said Herrish Patel, president of Unilever US and chief executive of Personal Care North America. "As the US becomes a centre of gravity for Unilever, we're harnessing the best of American innovation to match our growth ambition here in the US and around the world."

Shares in Unilever were down 0.3% at 4,252.40 pence each in London on Friday.

By Jeremy Cutler, Alliance News reporter

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