Unilever expands its Pouso Alegre plant

The Anglo-Dutch giant Unilever is set to invest R$127 million (around €30 million) in 2018 and 2019 in the expansion of its Brazilian factory in Pouso Alegre in the state of Minas Gerais, where it plans to transfer production of the Hellmann’s product lines (mayonnaise, salad dressings, mustard, ketchup and condiments) currently produced in the state of Goiás.

The investment is expected to raise turnover by R$1 billion in addition to the R$500 million already generated by the group in Pouso Alegre.

The factory (300,000 square metres, 670 employees) currently concentrates on the production of Arisco and Knorr brand soups and Ades soya-based drinks.

Unilever has been operating in Brazil for almost 90 years and has a total of 11 production facilities (including a distribution centre), which in 2017 generated turnover of around R$12.2 billion.

Last year the mayonnaise market saw 5.3% growth to R$1.4 billion. Further 3.7% growth is forecast in 2018.