Since the milestone year of 1995, Vietnam’s transformation into a deeply integrated, globally connected economy has provided a critical foundation for Unilever’s development and long-term operations in the country. In parallel with this national progress, Unilever has introduced its portfolio of brands, advanced technologies, global expertise, and proven best practices to help strengthen Vietnam’s domestic capabilities: serving local consumers while expanding exports to international markets.

In parallel with that national journey, Unilever Vietnam has gradually expanded its operational capacity, now comprising more than 1,300 employees, approximately 10,000 indirect workers, over 140 distributors, and a retail network of nearly 300,000 outlets nationwide. Its manufacturing and supply-chain system has been comprehensively digitalized, with AI integrated into 35% of supply-chain processes and automation reaching 96% at the factories. These advancements enable Unilever to ensure production efficiency, streamline distribution, and reliably serve millions of consumers across the country.

On health and hygiene, the Company’s programmes in conjunction with regulatory agencies and partners have helped 30 million people to improve sanitation and health conditions and upgraded 1,410 school sanitation facilities nationwide. In the natural-environment pillar, Unilever planted over 1 million trees during 2021–2025, contributing to ecosystem restoration. In the climate pillar, Unilever Vietnam achieved net-zero emissions in its internal operations (Scope 1 and 2) as early as 2021—nine years ahead of the Group’s global commitment. In the livelihood pillar, the company and its partners trained 90,000 women in entrepreneurship, provided 50,000 micro-loans via the New Beginnings Fund and non-repayable grants to 167 women-led start-up projects. Under the plastics and circular-economy pillar, Unilever achieved 66% of its packaging being recyclable, and for four consecutive years it has collected and recycled more plastic than it placed on the market.

In the area of health and hygiene, the programs jointly implemented by Unilever in collaboration with regulatory agencies and partners over the past 30 years:

Supported approximately 30 million people in improving sanitation conditions and personal health, and upgraded 1,410 school sanitation facilities nationwide.

Under the pillar of nature and the environment, Unilever has contributed to ecosystem restoration efforts with more than 1 million trees planted during the 2021–2025 period.

Under the climate pillar, Unilever Vietnam achieved net-zero emissions in its internal operations (Scopes 1 and 2) in 2021—nine years ahead of the Group’s global commitment.

In the area of livelihoods, the company has worked with partners to help 90,000 women receive training in business start-up skills, facilitated 50,000 micro-loans through the New Beginnings Fund, and provided non-refundable seed capital for 167 women-led start-up initiatives.

For the plastics and circular economy pillar, Unilever has achieved 66% recyclable packaging, more than 40% post-consumer recycled plastic content, and has maintained four consecutive years of collecting and recycling more plastic than the volume placed on the market.

Over the past three decades, this has been not just a story of business growth, but of Unilever walking alongside the country’s transformation. At the event, Ms Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Country Manager of Unilever Vietnam, emphasised that the greatest strides stem from trust and collaboration between business and society. “Thirty years is not only the journey of a company pursuing business growth; it is the journey of dreams, of service, of human values that we have forged together. Over three decades, Unilever Vietnam has built brands deeply rooted in the hearts of Vietnamese people, delivering high-quality products serving millions of families across generations. Every step we have taken—from partnering with local communities, rolling-out sustainable initiatives with the Government and organisations, to standing side-by-side with distributors and retailers to bring our products to millions of Vietnamese homes—has been driven by one shared objective: together to create a healthier, greener, and brighter Vietnam.”

The ceremony was held in a formal atmosphere, attended by representatives from central ministries and agencies, social organisations, business partners and media outlets. Unilever Vietnam was honoured to receive

Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Health awarded to Unilever Vietnam for outstanding achievements in implementing the “Patriotic Hygiene Movement for Public Health Improvement” during the 2012–2022 period.

Certificate of Merit from the Vietnam Young Physicians Association awarded to Unilever Vietnam and the Lifebuoy brand for significant contributions to the program “For a Healthier Vietnam” during 2024–2025.

Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Education and Training awarded to Unilever Vietnam for outstanding achievements in the socialization of school solidification, classroom upgrading, and teachers’ housing facilities during 2013–2023.

Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment awarded to Unilever Vietnam for outstanding achievements in environmental protection and sustainable agricultural development.

Certificate of Merit from the Vietnam Women’s Union awarded to Unilever Vietnam for outstanding achievements in implementing the movement “Building 5-Without, 3-Clean Families” as part of the National New Rural Development Program during 2010–2025.

These commendations underscore the substantive and sustained contributions of Unilever Vietnam across preventive healthcare, hygiene education, environmental stewardship, and livelihood enhancement. They further constitute an important basis for the company to continue advancing its role as a committed partner and to broaden initiatives that support Vietnam’s national agenda for sustainable development in the years to come.

As part of the anniversary event, Unilever signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding and announced partnership programmes, marking a new phase in reinforcing and extending collaborative initiatives for sustainable development:

Memorandum of Understanding on the programme “For a Healthier and More Sustainable Vietnam – Phase 2025–2030” between Unilever Vietnam and the Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health.

Memorandum of Understanding on the programme “Health Check-ups for a Healthier Vietnam – Phase 2025–2028” between Unilever Vietnam, the Lifebuoy brand and the Vietnam Young Physicians Association.

Cooperation agreement on the programme “Healthy, Safe and Sustainable Schools – Phase 2025–2028” between Unilever Vietnam and UNICEF Vietnam.

Announcement of the programme “Developing Green-Clean-Healthy Schools – Phase 2024–2029” in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training.

Additionally, Unilever Vietnam announced new commitments for the next chapter of its journey:

To improve livelihoods and working conditions for 200,000 Vietnamese people over the next ten years.

To educate and raise hygiene and health awareness among 10 million people in the next decade.

Together with the OMO brand, to plant an additional 1 million trees during 2026–2030—helping to combat erosion, mitigate climate change, foster sustainable livelihoods and enhance biodiversity.

To achieve 100% of plastic packaging being recyclable, reusable or biodegradable by 2035.

These areas hold profound significance, closely linked to the social development of Vietnam and its major national goals. Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, Vice Minister of Health, commented: "I believe that, with the sense of responsibility, consensus, and strong determination from Viet Nam Administration of Disease Prevention as well as organizations like Unilever Vietnam, the program 'For a Healthy and Sustainable Vietnam' will help promote preventive healthcare, improve public health, and build a more sustainable Vietnam for the people and by the people."

Mr Iain Frew—Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Vietnam —remarked:  “The elevation of our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marks a new era in UK–Vietnam relations—one grounded in trust, shared vision, and practical collaboration. Unilever Vietnam perfectly embodies what this partnership looks like in action. Through your commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community impact, you are helping to build a future that is greener, fairer, and more resilient—showing how business can be a true force for good between our two nations, proving that business goals and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Ms Silvia Danailov—UNICEF Representative in Vietnam—also attended the event. Ms Danailov remarked “Thanks to our partnership, for which we are very grateful, we will continue to lead our work, under the leadership of the government of Vietnam, to benefit 2 million students and empower many young people to lead and be a positive force of change in the country.”

The 30-year milestone marks not only an occasion of celebration for Unilever, but also a fresh beginning for a deeper, more responsible and more enduring partnership with Vietnam. With the spirit and goal “Because Vietnam is Home”, the Company reaffirms its long-term commitment to stand alongside the Government, communities and partners in building a greener, healthier and more prosperous Vietnam for the future.