Unilever sells Graze healthy snacking brand to Katjes International, Candy Kittens 

UK – Unilever has agreed to divest its Graze healthier-snacking brand to German confectionery group Katjes International and its UK vegan sweets subsidiary Candy Kittens Group. 

Financial details remain undisclosed, with completion scheduled for the first half of 2026. 

The transaction aligns with Unilever’s ongoing portfolio reshaping to concentrate on three core food categories — condiments, cooking aids, and mini meals — alongside its professional catering arm, Unilever Food Solutions. Graze, despite strong performance, sits outside these priority segments. 

Unilever acquired Graze in 2019 from The Carlyle Group for a reported £150 million. Graze has significantly improved profitability and continued retail growth under Unilever ownership.  

The company stated that the brand’s future development will be better supported under new owners with deeper expertise in the healthier-snacking and confectionery space. 

Bastian Fassin, managing shareholder of Katjes International, welcomed the deal: “Graze is one of the leading healthy snacking brands in the UK. With its strong brand awareness and strategic positioning, Graze is a perfect fit for our strategy to continue growing with strong consumer brands.” 

Originally launched as a subscription-box service focused on nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, Graze has evolved into a widely recognised retail brand operating its own dedicated manufacturing facility. 

Katjes, which purchased UK-based vegan confectionery business Candy Kittens in 2019, recently acquired a 25% stake in German cookie-dough company SD Sugar Daddies. 

The sale forms part of Unilever’s broader food-portfolio rationalisation. Earlier this year the group sold its German pasta-sauce retail business to Casalasco Group and divested meat-free brand The Vegetarian Butcher.  

Last month Reuters reported Unilever was exploring options for iconic UK brands Marmite, Colman’s, and Bovril. 

Market data from Innova Market Insights underlines the momentum behind healthier snacks: roughly one-third of global consumers have increased consumption of better-for-you options over the past year, compared with only 15% for traditional sweet or savoury snacks.  

Around 60% of consumers actively seek healthier alternatives, with half choosing them over indulgent treats. 

The transaction hands Graze to owners positioned to capitalise on the continuing shift toward nutritious, convenient snacking formats. 

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