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UBL Hosts the Rt Hon Baroness Winterton of Doncaster, DBE

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We had the honour of welcoming The Rt Hon Baroness Winterton of Doncaster, DBE, the UK Governments Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, to our corporate office in Dhaka. The visit, joined by H.E. Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and senior representatives from the British High Commission, reaffirmed our position as one of the leading British businesses in the country, and served as a significant opportunity to highlight Bangladeshs growing potential as a prime destination for global investment.

Baroness Winterton and H.E Sarah Cooke engaging in discussion.

Our journey in this country of red and green, spanning over six decades, is a story of trust, innovation, and deep-rooted local impact. Today, our brands reach 9 out of 10 households in the country, shaping everyday habits and improving quality of life across communities. We have continually adapted to the evolving needs of Bangladeshi consumers—introducing purpose-driven innovations, investing in local capabilities, and building a resilient business model that aligns global expertise with local relevance.

UBL Team presenting the Jatra publication to the delegation.

Showcasing Bangladeshs Potential as a Global Investment Destination

With a population of over 170 million, a growing middle class, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, Bangladesh is rapidly positioning itself as one of Asias most promising markets.

During the visit, we presented a detailed overview of the countrys consumer landscape, highlighting how shifting demographics, rising incomes, and digital adoption are transforming the market. These insights reinforced the message that Bangladesh is not just an emerging economy—it is a dynamic, forward-looking destination for sustainable, long-term investment. At the same time, we also demonstrated how our deep understanding of the growing local consumer needs—combined with global expertise—has enabled us to lead in categories across home care, personal care, beauty &wellbeing, and foods.

URefill demonstration.

Driving Sustainable Innovation for a Better Future

A central part of the visit was an engaging roadshow that showcased our bold ambitions and actions to build a sustainable future. This included our roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions, collect more plastic than we use in our packaging, and implementation of innovative models that support waste worker empowerment and inclusive livelihoods. The roadshow also covered how we are leveraging our innovation capabilities to reduce plastic in our packaging and build products to meet the growing needs of the consumers.

One of the highlights was our Urefill machine—a refill solution designed to reduce single-use plastic, supported by TRANSFORM – a collaboration between the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Unilever and EY. The innovation is already delivering promising results in the market and serves as a successful solution against plastic pollution which does not only stop at building a model, but also actively contributes towards promoting positive behaviour in the community.

To give a comprehensive experience, the delegation was given a tour of our Consumer Insight and Innovation Centre (CiiC)—a unique setup that replicates a typical retail shop environment. The CiiC enables us to simulate real-world shopping experiences while leveraging technology and behavioural science to gather deep consumer insights. This immersive experience helped the delegation understand how we are using innovation to stay connected with the evolving needs of Bangladeshi consumers.

Product table demonstration.

Through this visit, we not only reaffirmed our role as a successful British company in the country but also contributed to the broader narrative of Bangladesh as a vibrant, high-potential market for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Following the visit, The Rt Hon Baroness Winterton of Doncaster, DBE said, Unilever exemplifies what enduring trade partnerships look like. It is inspiring to see how a company with British origins has become such a vital part of Bangladeshs development story. Their legacy here goes far beyond commerce—it is about shared prosperity and responsible business.

We continue to be a shining example of how businesses can thrive through purpose-led strategies, meaningful partnerships, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. As Bangladesh moves forward, we remain committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more resilient, and sustainable tomorrow.

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