Unilever has agreed to sell healthy snacking brand Graze to Katjes International, in a move that will see the business join the Candy Kittens group in the UK.

Unilever bought Graze in 2019, at a time when the business was still best known for its direct-to-consumer snack boxes.

Since then, Graze has firmly shifted into mainstream retail, expanding its footprint across the UK and refreshing its branding.

“Graze has transformed into a retail-focused brand which continues to redefine healthy snacking with innovations that stay a step ahead on nutrition, never compromise on taste, and remain true to its distinctive and much-loved style,” said Unilever UKI Foods general manager Georgina Bradford.

“The brand is now well positioned for its next phase of growth, which we are confident will be best unlocked under its new ownership with dedicated focus on its healthier snacking mission.”

The deal marks the latest step in Unilever’s effort to sharpen its global Foods portfolio, with completion expected in the first half of 2026.

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The consumer goods giant has been clear about its plan to focus its Foods division on three global categories where it sees its biggest long-term advantage: Condiments, Cooking Aids & Mini Meals, and Unilever Food Solutions.

As part of that strategy, Unilever has been “pruning” areas that fall outside those priorities. While Graze benefits from its own standalone manufacturing site and strong positioning in healthier snacking, the brand sits apart from Unilever’s broader Foods portfolio.

Unilever added that Graze’s future growth prospects would be better realised with a specialist owner focused on the snacking category.

Katjes International nanaging shareholder Bastian Fassin said: “Graze is one of the leading healthy snacking brands in the UK.

“With its strong brand awareness and strategic positioning, Graze is a perfect fit for our strategy to continue growing with strong consumer brands.”

Candy Kittens founder Jamie Laing added: “I’ve always loved Graze — they changed the way the UK thinks about healthier snacking, and I think we can take that even further. I’m excited about this project and grateful for the opportunity to continue building the Graze brand.”