Core Insights - Unilever is undergoing a significant organizational transformation, including a review of 200 key management positions, with approximately 25% of executives potentially facing restructuring [1][2] - The new CEO, Fernando Fernandez, is committed to evaluating the performance of these executives to enhance management effectiveness [2] - This restructuring is part of a broader initiative that includes a plan to cut around 7,500 jobs globally over the next three years, aiming to save approximately $800 million [2][4] - Unilever has also announced the divestiture of its ice cream business, which accounts for about 16% of its global sales, as part of a strategic focus on core consumer goods [2][3] Financial Performance - Unilever's revenue for the fiscal year 2024 reached €60.8 billion, reflecting a modest year-on-year growth of 1.9%, while net profit has seen a double-digit decline for the second consecutive year [4] - The company has faced performance challenges, with sales growth in 2022 driven primarily by price increases, and overall performance declining in 2020 and 2023 [4][6] - The board includes activist investors advocating for change, highlighting the urgency for Unilever to adapt its strategy [4] Strategic Focus - Unilever is concentrating on 30 core "power brands" that contribute approximately 70% of its sales, while avoiding large-scale acquisitions to maintain strategic focus [6][7] - The company has been actively divesting non-core brands, including the recent sale of over 20 beauty brands and exiting the water purification market [6][7] - Significant investments have been made in marketing these core brands, with nearly €700 million allocated in the first half of the year, resulting in a 4% sales increase for these brands [6] Challenges in China - Unilever's performance in China has been under pressure, with sales experiencing a mid-single-digit decline, contrasting with growth in other regions [8][11] - The company has acknowledged that the Chinese market's unique dynamics and changing consumer behaviors pose challenges for its traditional strategies [8][11] - In response, Unilever is investing in product innovation and local brand partnerships to better align with Chinese consumer trends [11][12] Competitive Landscape - The Chinese hair care market has surpassed ¥30 billion, growing at 33% year-on-year, intensifying competition for Unilever [12] - Local competitors and established brands are aggressively entering the market, necessitating continuous innovation from Unilever's legacy brands to maintain market share [12]

Core Insights - Unilever has made a strategic investment in the hair care brand Messy, leading a $5 million funding round, with over $3 million already received [1][3] - Messy, founded by Alli Webb, is recognized as a prominent independent hair care brand, having launched five core products and planning to expand its product range [3] - Unilever's recent activities in the hair care sector indicate a focus on high-growth and high-margin beauty and health segments, with significant investments in brands like NEXXUS [4] Company Developments - Messy has gained attention for its innovative approach in the hair care market, with plans to introduce mini products, hair accessories, and travel kits [3] - Unilever's investment in Messy is likely influenced by Webb's extensive entrepreneurial experience in the hair care industry [3] - The company has been actively enhancing its brand portfolio in China, as seen with the launch of NEXXUS and its marketing strategies [4] Industry Trends - The hair care market in China is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected market size exceeding 30 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth rate of over 33% [5] - Competition in the hair care sector is intensifying, with both international and domestic brands entering the market, including recent moves by Proya and other local brands [5] - The market is characterized by a high level of maturity, making it challenging for new entrants unless they can offer significant technological differentiation and strong branding [5]