Unilever Recognized for its Lipton Manufacturing Facility

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 20^th April 2009Unilever, one of the world's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, was recognized at the recently concluded Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MRM) Business Awards held in Madinat Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.

Unilever received the award in the Manufacturing (Free Zones) category for its Lipton Tea Factory which was recognized for its performance on strategic initiatives, leadership perspectives, quality imperatives, corporate culture and corporate social responsibility.

The award was presented by his Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the U.A.E. and ruler of Dubai and received by Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman, Unilever North Africa Middle East.

Unilever’s Lipton Tea factory, located at the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai is the company’s leading tea production facility in the region and its second largest tea production facility worldwide. The factory has previously also been recognized for its excellence by the Japanese Institute of Plant Maintenance.

Commenting on the award Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman Unilever North Africa Middle East said, “It is a great honor to have received this prestigious award. We are delighted that our manufacturing site in JAFZA has been recognized for its excellence”.

In the last 10 years the Lipton Tea Factory has developed tremendously not only in terms of the volumes it generates but also for its manufacturing excellence. It is a strategic hub for innovation and development for Unilever within the region. The factory was originally conceived to supply to the local markets but is today exporting tea worldwide. “Our focus on systems, quality and high levels of efficiencies is what has allowed us to build a global customer base spanning across 53 countries” added Mr Mehta.

About Unilever

Unilever is one of the world's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies with strong local roots in over 100 countries across the globe. With a leadership position on many of the categories in which it operates Unilever’s portfolio includes some of the world's best known brands including Lipton, Dove, Lux, Sunsilk, Knorr, Omo, amongst others that have today become common household brands.

Unilever’s mission is to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs of nutrition, hygiene and personal care.

Unilever North Africa and Middle East (NAME) is the region's single largest TV advertiser with local offices and partnerships spread across the 20 countries in the region. Fore more information please visit: www.unilever.com