Unilever Bangladesh recently welcomed The Rt Hon Baroness Winterton of Doncaster, DBE, the UK Government's Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, to its corporate office in Dhaka. The visit, joined by H.E. Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and senior representatives from the British High Commission, reaffirmed UBL's position as one of the leading business companies in the country, and served as a significant opportunity to highlight Bangladesh's growing potential as a prime destination for global investment.
Unilever Bangladesh's journey in this country of red and green, spanning over six decades, is a story of trust, innovation, and deep-rooted local impact. Today, its brands reach 9 out of 10 households in the country, shaping everyday habits and improving quality of life across communities. The company has continually adapted to the evolving needs of Bangladeshi consumers-introducing purpose-driven innovations, investing in local capabilities, and building a resilient business model that aligns global expertise with local relevance.
Baroness Winterton's visit was a strong endorsement of Unilever's longstanding contribution to Bangladesh's economic and social development. It also offered a unique opportunity for Unilever Bangladesh to showcase the immense potential of the country as an emerging hub for global investment. With a population of over 170 million, a growing middle class, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, Bangladesh is rapidly positioning itself as one of Asia's most promising markets.
During the visit, Unilever Bangladesh presented a detailed overview of the country's consumer landscape, highlighting how shifting demographics, rising incomes, and digital adoption are transforming the market. These insights reinforced the message that Bangladesh is not just an emerging economy-it is a dynamic, forward- looking destination for sustainable, long-term investment. At the same time, the company also demonstrated how its deep understanding of the growing local consumer needs-combined with global expertise-has enabled it to lead in categories across home care, personal care, beauty & wellbeing and foods.
A central part of the visit was an engaging roadshow that showcased UBL's bold ambitions and actions to build a sustainable future. This included its roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions, circular economy initiatives that collect more plastic than the company uses in its packaging, and innovative models that support waste worker empowerment and inclusive livelihoods. The roadshow also covered how UBL is leveraging their innovation capabilities to reduce plastic in their packaging and build products to meet the growing needs of the consumers.
One of the highlights was the Urefill machine-a refill solution designed to reduce single-use plastic, supported by TRANSFORM - a collaboration between the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Unilever and EY. The innovation is already delivering promising results in the market and serves as a successful solution against plastic pollution which does not only stop at building a model, but also actively contributes towards promoting positive behaviour in the community.
To give a comprehensive experience, the delegation was given a tour of Unilever Bangladesh's Consumer Insight and Innovation Centre (CiiC)-a unique setup that replicates a typical retail shop environment. The CiiC enables the company to simulate real-world shopping experiences while leveraging technology and behavioural science to gather deep consumer insights. This immersive experience helped the delegation understand how Unilever is using innovation to stay connected with the evolving needs of Bangladeshi consumers.
This visit reflected the ongoing commitment of the UK government to strengthen trade and investment ties with Bangladesh and support British businesses operating in the region. Through this visit, UBL not only reaffirmed its role as a successful British company in the country but also contributed to the broader narrative of Bangladesh as a vibrant, high-potential market for sustainable and inclusive growth.
After the visit, the Rt Hon Baroness Winterton of Doncaster, DBE said, "Unilever exemplifies what enduring trade partnerships look like. It is inspiring to see how a company with British origins has become such a vital part of Bangladesh's development story. Their legacy here goes far beyond commerce-it is about shared prosperity and responsible business."
UBL continues to be a shining example of how businesses can thrive through purpose-led strategies, meaningful partnerships, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve. As Bangladesh moves forward, UBL remains committed to playing a pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more resilient, and sustainable tomorrow.
