Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) is one of the leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies of Bangladesh with popular brands, nationwide reach and impactful sustainability initiatives. Today, the company is loved by millions of Bangladeshi consumers. However, the story of a company that began on the shores of a distant land, and became truly local to the country and its people, is unique and exciting. Unilever, a company rooted in Port Sunlight, England, started its journey in the land of Red and Green, a tale full of twists and turns.
A Rich Trading and Economic Heritage
The Bengal Delta, which consists of modern day Bangladesh, used to be well-known to European and Arabian traders for its resources. As a trading hub, Bengal attracted many European traders, mainly the British, French, and Dutch. These European traders came to Bengal for agricultural resources and explored the potential of exporting raw materials like Rice and Indigo to Europe. Many European traders, such as the Colman of Norwich, who founded Knorr, sent trading agents to Bengal as early as 1856.
Expanding Territories, Seizing Opportunities
During the height of the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England, many British manufactured goods started to become available in the Indian Subcontinent. One such consignment arrived in 1888 with crates full of Sunlight soap bars embossed with the words "Made in England by Lever Brothers." This marked the beginning of Unilever's remarkable journey in this region.
In the 1930s, Lever Brothers' soaps, such as Lifebuoy, Sunlight, and Pears, had gained significant traction in the local market, becoming an integral part of daily life for many people. Their widespread popularity prompted the decision to commence local production, underscoring the far-reaching influence of Lever's products in the region. Concurrently, the predecessor of Margarine Unie (Antoon Jurgens United) began producing Dalda Vanaspati Ghee in 1918, which also garnered popularity throughout the Indian Subcontinent, including Bengal. After the global merger in the 1930s, both companies started to work together in the Indian Subcontinent as well.
After the partition of the Indian Subcontinent, Unilever, which already had a strong market in East Bengal, began exploring the possibility of expanding its business further. Although there were already sales agents and distributors for their products, the products had to be imported. After several visits from Unilever's Overseas Committee based in London, Chattogram was chosen as the site for Unilever's first factory in East Bengal. The decision was based on the need to import raw materials, such as tallow, through the Chattogram port and the proximity of the Chondhoghona Paper mill, the only paper mill of East Bengal back then, for packaging material. Kalurghat was chosen due to its proximity to the port, Karnaphuli River and space availability for future expansion.
Unilever Bangladesh: A Legacy of Growth and Sustainability
The construction of the factory commenced in 1962, and trial production began in 1964. KGF was officially inaugurated on 25 February 1965, symbolising Unilever's manufacturing legacy in the vibrant land of red and green.
After reaching an agreement with the Government of Bangladesh in 1973, Lever Brothers Bangladesh Limited was officially established in Bangladesh on 5 July 1973, with the Government holding a 39.25% share of the company. The establishment of KGF completely transformed the landscape of Kalurghat, turning it from an agrarian community in the 1960s into the first Heavy Industrial Area of Bangladesh, attracting numerous other companies. Today, UBL proudly serves not just 9 out of 10 Bangladeshi households every day with top-quality products, but also is partnering with the country to protect the environment, enhance consumer wellbeing, and empower value chain partners - all with the objective to achieve sustainable future for every Bangladeshi.