Grupo SOS takes control of Bertolli olive oil brand from Unilever

Posted by Daniel Palmer on 6th January 2009

Spanish food company Grupo SOS has taken control of the worldwide, perpetual licence for the Bertolli brand for olive oil, premium vinegar and olives.

The €630m purchase from Unilever went through late last month and includes related assets, as well as the sale of the Dante, Maya and San Giorgio olive oil and seed oil businesses. Unilever will, however, retain the Bertolli brand for all other categories including margarine, pasta sauces and frozen meals.

“The Bertolli brand remains a priority for Unilever with strong growth plans for the future in Mediterranean food products,” Unilever advised in a statement.

“Bertolli is a brand leader in olive oils in Europe, the US and Australia, and we believe that Grupo SOS, with their deep expertise in this category, will further strengthen the business. We look forward to working with Grupo SOS to continue to build the Bertolli brand and to create further value,” Vindi Banga, Unilever President for Foods, Home and Personal Care, said upon the tentative announcement of a deal in July.

Grupo SOS believe the deal will enable them to strengthen their leadership position in olive oil as they continue to focus on products that fit in with the Mediterranean diet.