Colman's Mustard brand put up for sale amid Unilever-McCormick merger
The historic Colman's Mustard label, rooted in Norwich for over a century, is being marketed to buyers as Unilever prepares to merge its foods division with McCormick.
Jeremiah Colman's 1814-started mustard business, long identified with Norwich, is now on the market as Unilever seeks buyers for the brand and related assets. The move follows Unilever's announced £48bn merger with U.S. food giant McCormick, prompting a proactive effort to address potential competition issues. After the Carrow factory ceased operations in 2020, manufacturing was relocated to facilities in Burton-on-Trent and Germany, leaving the 42-acre former site idle and slated for thousands of homes.
The company historically provided extensive welfare for its workforce, including a school and employee housing. Condimentum, based near Norwich, still processes the raw ingredients that keep the Colman's name alive. The broader deal will give McCormick control of other household brands such as Hellmann's, Marmite, Knorr and Pot Noodle, while Unilever will focus on personal-care products like Dove and Persil.
Why it matters
The sale could reshape the UK condiment market and affect future use of a landmark industrial site in Norwich.
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