Colman's Mustard put up for sale ahead of merger

Colman's Mustard, a long-standing Norwich brand, has been placed on the market as part of an impending merger between Unilever and McCormick. The iconic mustard, which has its roots in Norwich dating back to 1814, will be marketed to potential buyers to address possible competition concerns arising from the merger. Unilever's spokesperson explained that the decision was made proactively to navigate potential competition issues stemming from the impending combination of Unilever Foods and McCormick.

Founded by Jeremiah Colman in 1814, Colman's Mustard operated a factory in Norwich for over 160 years before its production was shifted to Carrow in 1858. The company was renowned for its comprehensive approach to supporting its workers and their families, providing education, housing, healthcare, and leisure facilities. A school was established on Carrow Hill in 1864 to cater to the children of employees, and the firm even supplied coffins for workers and their families.

A series of terrace houses with mustard-yellow doors were also constructed as a testament to the brand's deep connection to the community.

In January 2018, Unilever announced the closure of the Carrow plant, with the last jar of Colman's Mustard leaving the production line in 2019, followed by the factory's closure in 2020. The 42-acre site has since been earmarked for the development of thousands of homes. Unilever subsequently moved its manufacturing operations to Burton-on-Trent and Germany, while Condimentum, located at the Food Enterprise Park in Easton near Norwich, has been keeping the Colman's legacy alive by producing the raw material for the brand.

The merger between Unilever and McCormick will result in control of notable household names such as Hellmann's, Marmite, Knorr, and Pot Noodle. McCormick will also retain French's, one of the world's largest competitors in the mustard market. Unilever, on the other hand, will focus on home and personal care brands, including Dove, Persil, and Lynx. Discussions regarding the sale of Colman's Mustard and its assets are ongoing, and operations continue as usual.