Future possibilities
We are proud of our reputation as a world leader in research and development through innovation and renovation.
Healthier choice
Food doesn't just sustain us, it can nourish and revitalise us. Unilever is committed to making the healthier choice an easier choice.
Imagine: A low fat ice cream with full fat quality
As the market leader in ice cream, we continuously invest in R&D to further improve our ice cream products. Our experts focus on using natural ingredients and minimising fat, sugar and calories without compromising on taste and enjoyment.
Our innovation
Our investment
€ 891m
In 2009 Unilever spent €891m on research & development.
Our people
6000 +
Currently we have over 6000 people working in R&D in all Unilever regions across the globe.
Our inventions
300 +
We typically file between 250 & 350 new patent applications a year.
Our intellectual property
20 000
Worldwide we have over 20 000 registered patents & patent applications.
Our R&D experts
Rosemary, Development Nutrition Manager, Durban, South Africa
I am learning every day, especially about partnership management.
Our R&D centres
Unilever R&D, Shanghai
R&D in Shanghai focuses on synthetic chemistry and traditional Chinese medicine.
