UN Unilever NV

Reformulation Adds Nutritional Benefits While Preserving the 'Country Fresh Taste' of America's Best-Loved Soft Spreads ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Unilever North America announced today it is converting Shedd's Spread Country Crock(R) regular and Country Crock Churn Style soft spreads to a trans-fat-free formulation. The new products, which are already available in a large portion of the country, will be expanded to remaining sections in early 2006. The company said the new trans fat free Country Crock spreads, a line that's already primarily trans-fat-free, will offer important nutrition benefits to consumers while preserving the signature "country fresh taste" that millions have come to know and love. "The Country Crock reformulation is part of our overall strategy to create great-tasting products that spread as smoothly as ever and are superb choices for health-conscious consumers," said Keith Bobier, Unilever Senior Marketing Director, Shedd's Spread Country Crock, NA. "Our trans-fat-free Country Crock products give consumers even greater flexibility in managing their diets while allowing them to enjoy the smooth texture and taste of a high-quality, high-performing soft spread." By year-end, Shedd's Spread Country Crock(R) Regular and Shedd's Spread Country Crock(R) Churn Style will join other products in the Country Crock(R) line which are already trans-fat-free, including Shedd's Spread Country Crock(R) Light, Shedd's Spread Country Crock(R) Plus Calcium & Vitamins, and Shedd's Spread Country Crock(R) Plus Yogurt. Trans fat free Shedd's Spread Country Crock(R) Regular soft spread is already available in grocery retailers across the Northeast and in Virginia and Ohio. As the leading manufacturer of spreads in the U.S., Unilever is continuing to reduce fat, trans-fat and saturated fat in its portfolio of products. The company already markets several trans-fat-free spreads. Among them are the entire soft line of "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!" the nation's largest selling premium spread, as well as Promise(R), Take Control(R), and Brummel & Brown(R). About Unilever Unilever (NYSE:ULNYSE:UN), one of the world's largest consumer products companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers make 150 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a portfolio of brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life. In the United States these brands include recognized names such as: Axe, "all," Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Lipton, Knorr, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever in the United States employs more than 15,000 people in 74 office and manufacturing sites in 24 states and Puerto Rico -- generating approximately $10 billion in sales in 2004. For more information visit http://www.unileverusa.com/. DATASOURCE: Unilever North America CONTACT: Hilary Munson or Cody Adams, both of M Booth & Associates, +1-212-481-7000, , or Web site: http://www.unileverusa.com/

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