May in review: Natura &Co streamlines operations, IFF refines its portfolio, Unilever gears up for 2026 

May 2026 marked a pivotal period for global beauty and personal care giants, with Natura &Co, IFF, and Unilever each executing strategic transformations that positioned them for sustained growth. From operational streamlining to portfolio refinement and massive infrastructure investments, these moves signal a clear industry shift toward focused, efficient operations with premium positioning. Each company demonstrated a distinct approach to strengthening its market position while preparing for future growth trajectories.

Natura &Co has streamlined operations. The company announced its complete exit from the US market, including the closure of its subscription program. Simultaneously, Natura expanded its Latin American footprint by launching an official Mercado Libre store in Mexico. The company subsequently tapped WPP Group as its Lead Partner to simplify and integrate marketing operations across Latin America for both Natura and Avon brands.

IFF refined its portfolio by divesting its Food Ingredients unit to CVC Capital Partners for USD 4.3 billion. IFF retained approximately 10% minority equity interest valued at around USD 200 million. The company opened a 650-square-meter Vanilla Innovation Centre in Toamasina, Madagascar. This centre strengthens vanilla as a strategic aroma through IFF’s innovative-at-origin approach. The facility integrates lab analysis, extraction, flavour creation, and application testing at the source. This positions the company for enhanced profitability across its three core pillars: Taste, Scent, and Health & Biosciences.

Unilever gears up for 2026 with massive USD 471 million in infrastructure investments. The company invested USD 201 million in Port Sunlight and USD 270 million in Connecticut in late May. Unilever was named Official Personal Care Sponsor for the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking its largest sports partnership with over 35 brands activating. The company redesigned its Dirt Is Good laundry capsules from three to four chambers with Nano-Power™ and Nano-Sense™ technologies. These innovations deliver 16 percent carbon reduction and 60% energy savings. Unilever targets 2 percent volume growth, 50% premium share, and €800 million savings by 2026.

IMCD accelerated its EMEA strategy in May 2026 with strategic footprint expansions and leadership appointments. The company opened a new Technical Centre in Istanbul on May 5, 2026, expanding its footprint in Turkey and the Middle East region. IMCD appointed Behnosh Yaghobi as Managing Director Middle East, strengthening leadership for the region’s growing market. The company subsequently revamps its Cologne technical center in June to meet growing formulation demand, demonstrating IMCD’s commitment to scaling technical capabilities across Europe and the Middle East to support accelerating customer needs in the beauty and personal care sector.

Global FMCG companies portfolio surges 

Huda Beauty has launched into the fragrance market with Easy Bake Intense Eau de Parfum, a significant expansion for the brand led by founder Huda Kattan.

Uncover Skincare, a Kenya-based skincare brand, has introduced the Myravive Duo, designed specifically for dehydrated skin that needs sustained, multi-layered moisture. The duo comprises the Myravive Deep Hydrating & Repair Serum and a matching hydrating cleanser, focusing on long-term barrier restoration. 

Marico Limited has unveiled Parachute Advansed Protein Shampoo, strengthening the brand’s foothold in hair care while making its debut in the hair cleansing category.  This flagship variant combines coconut milk and aloe vera, while the remaining range features a carefully selected mix of natural powerhouse ingredients, including rosemary, amla, shikakai, almond, and others, each delivering distinct benefits like hair fall control and enhanced shine. It is available in 80ml, 170ml, 340ml, 650ml, 1L, and 1.2L formats across general trade, modern trade, and e-commerce channels.

Yuhan-Kimberly has introduced innovative Kleenex-brand reusable paper towels, marking a significant step in sustainable household products. The Kleenex Biodegradable Reusable Dishtowel combines plant-derived cellulose and polylactic acid (PLA) with CJ Biomaterials’ PHACT A1000P, an amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer from sugarcane. 

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