Unilever 2000 Annual Report Download - page 21

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Our brand leadership was further improved by the very
successful roll-out of meal solutions in key European
countries – such as the 4 Salti in Padella range of frozen
recipe dishes – and the promising launch of the high quality
Hot & Steamy microwave-heated snack range.
1999 results compared with 1998
Culinary The acquisition of Amora Maille in France,
announced in December 1999, added two important brands
with sales in a number of European countries. During the
year w e also reported the acquisition of Scandinavian
culinary company Slotts and Kockens. To raise global
awareness of our brands and achieve supply chain
efficiencies, w e began branding selected items w ith
a newly designed culinary masterbrand logo.
In 1999, overall culinary volumes were dow n, although
profits rose slightly. A lower sales figure reflects the disposal
of our Homann salads business. We achieved 5% underlying
volume growth in Western Europe but volumes were
lower in the Americas.
19
Unilever Annual Report & Accounts and Form 20-F 2000 Report of the Directors
Operating review by category
Culinary and frozen foods continued We used a raft of innovative approaches to bring flavour
and convenience to familiar foods. In the United Kingdom,
our ethnic tw o-step chicken sauce range, Sizzle & Stir, had
a great year; in North America, new Lawry’s fruit juice-based
marinades swiftly gained market leadership and in Russia we
started local production of mayonnaise in a new, low cost
pack format.
Frozen foods In 1999 the refocusing of our portfolio took
overall frozen foods volumes and profits below last year.
We continued to focus on our strongest lines, such as meal
solutions, w hich are one of the areas targeted for strategic
growth. In 1999, our premium ready meal range 4 Salti in
Padella, first launched in Italy, continued its remarkable
progress. We are now rolling it out throughout Europe. In
the United States, w e test-marketed innovative crispy stuffed
and herb-flavoured fish fillets.