Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company with strong brand recognition and a diversified product portfolio. A SWOT analysis identified Unilever's strengths as its strong cash reserves, global scale and purchasing power, recognized brand portfolio, and organized divisions. Weaknesses include lack of innovation, high labor costs, and outdated IT systems. Opportunities lie in appealing to diverse demographics, using new technologies, and expanding globally. Threats include low product differentiation, technology innovations by competitors, economic turmoil, and increasing regulations.

1. SWOT Analysis of Unilever
Name of the presenter
MD IKBAL HUSSAIN
ANNA DZIEGIELEWSKA
KUMRUN NAHAR
UDARA CHINTHAKA FERNANDO
WEERAHANNADIGE

2. About Unilever
• Unilever it is an multinational company, which includes Dutch Unilever
NV in Rotterdam and the British Unilever PLC, based in London.
• Establish year: 1930 , - Lever Brothers and Dutch margarine
• Main operation: Personal Care, Food, Refreshment, Home Care.
• Present CEO: Paul Polman
• Total Brands: 400
• Major Brands: Axe/Lynx, Dove, Lux, Flora/Becel, Hellmann's, Knorr, Surf,
Omo,
• Revenue: €49.8 billion in 2013 (unilever.com,2015)

3. SWOT
A SWOT is a structured planning method used
to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats involved in a
business venture
(managementstudyguide.com,2015)
Internal - Strengths and weaknesses
External - Opportunities and threats

4. SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Finance
1) Strong Cash Reserves.
2) Global Purchasing keeping cost down.
3) International Exchange Rate.

5. SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Marketing
1) Recognized as a Global Company.
2) Diversified product range.
3) Use of creative advertising.
.

6. SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Operations
1) Organised into four main divisions: Personal
Care, Food, Refreshment, Home Care.
2) Supply chain – well developed, focused on
customers and consumers.
3) Research and development.
.

7. SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Human Resources
1) Employ 174 000 people in around 100
countries worldwide.
2) Investing in training employees.
3) Unilever Future Leaders Program.

8. SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Information Systems
1. All computers are using Sunrise hardware program.
2. SAP software.
3. Company website – well developed, each department
has its own section.

9. SWOT Analysis
Weaknesses
Finance
1. Since it is an overseas stock
2. Business acquisitions affect overall profit
Marketing
1. Lack of innovation
2. Reduced marketing expenditures in television
commercials

10. SWOT Analysis
Weaknesses
Operations
1. Innovation time cycles
2. Production turmoil

11. SWOT Analysis
Weaknesses
Human Resources
1. Expensive labor
2. Union contracts limit flexibility
Information System
1. Global help desk – India & Ireland
2. Deferred updating due to leased hardware
3. Insufficient software package training

12. SWOT Analysis
Opportunities
Demographics
1. Products appeal to wide range of population
2. Product loyalty through generations
Technology
1. Automated manufacturing facilities
2. Already using product innovation needed for front
loading washing machines

13. SWOT Analysis
Opportunities
Economy
1. Goods are durable in any economic environment
2. Use of international exchange rate
Global
1. Largest consumer manufacturer
2. Integration of international employees bring broad
cultural and business experience in all processes
(ukessays.com, 2015)

14. SWOT Analysis
Opportunities
Environment
1. Maximize recycled packing materials
2. Processes environmentally friendly
3. Products are biodegradable

15. SWOT Analysis
Threats
Demographics
1. Low product differentiation tends to make consumers
reluctant to change products
2. Consumer purchasing base on cost
Technology
1. Competitors manufacturing technology innovations
2. Reduction in innovations due to patent constraints

16. SWOT Analysis
Threats
Economic
1. Internal turmoil in third world countries
2. Ventures in developing countries are jointly owned
Global
1. Internal business in country may be given preference
2. Knockoffs

17. SWOT Analysis
Threats
Environment
1. Increased regulations
2. Pressure to reduce utility consumption

18. Question / comments