Who Owns Cif?
Cif is owned by Unilever, a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods corporation. Launched as a cleaning brand by Unilever, Cif is sold under different names globally including Jif in the UK and Vim in Canada. The brand was standardized to Cif in 2001.
Parent Company
Unilever plc
Founded
1969
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
London, UK / Rotterdam, Netherlands
Who Owns Cif?
- Parent Company: Unilever plc
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: LSE: ULVR
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cif | Unilever plc | Wholly owned |
History of Cif
- Founded: 1969
- Founders: Unilever (internal development)
Cif was launched by Unilever as a cleaning products brand, though the exact founding date varies by source. The brand has evolved significantly over the decades, expanding its product range and geographic reach. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for effective household cleaning products while establishing a distinctive brand identity that would define the cleaning products category for generations.
One of the most significant aspects of Cif's history is its various brand names across different markets. The brand was originally sold under different names depending on the country:
- **Jif** in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, and Hong Kong
- **Vim** in Sweden, South Africa, Belgium, Finland, and Portugal
- **Viss** in Germany
- **Handy Andy** in some markets
- **Jif** continues to be used in Canada and Iraq
This regional branding approach demonstrated Cif's exceptional ability to adapt to local market preferences while maintaining consistent product quality and performance standards across different geographic regions.
In January 2001, Unilever made the strategic decision to change the brand name to Cif in most countries to align marketing and product inventories across continents. This standardization helped create a more unified global brand identity while maintaining local market recognition. This strategic brand consolidation demonstrated Unilever's exceptional ability to create global brand consistency while respecting local market dynamics.
The brand has continued to innovate with new product formulations, including cream cleaners, bathroom mousses, and specialized cleaning solutions for different surfaces. In recent years, Cif has embraced digital marketing, particularly on platforms like TikTok, to reach younger consumers through "CleanTok" trends and tips. This digital marketing innovation demonstrated Cif's exceptional ability to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and media consumption patterns.
In 2024, Cif celebrated its 60th anniversary as a Power Brand within Unilever's portfolio, demonstrating sustained growth and market relevance. The brand saw double-digit growth in 2024, spurred by smart social media focus and innovative product development. This sustained success demonstrates Cif's ability to maintain cultural relevance while adapting to changing market conditions and consumer preferences across multiple geographic regions and demographic segments.
About Unilever plc
What does Unilever own?
Unilever owns a portfolio of over 400 brands across four business groups: Beauty and Wellbeing (Dove, Vaseline, TRESemme, Pond's), Personal Care (Axe/Lynx, Rexona/Sure, Lux, Lifebuoy, Close Up), Home Care (Domestos, Cif, Surf, Omo, Comfort), and Nutrition (Knorr, Hellmann's, Lipton, Marmite). Following the 2025 demerger of its Ice Cream business, Unilever no longer owns Magnum, Walls, Ben & Jerry's, or Breyers. The company also owns approximately 61% of Hindustan Unilever Limited, a publicly listed subsidiary in India.
Is Unilever publicly traded?
Yes, Unilever plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange under ticker ULVR and on Euronext Amsterdam under ticker UNA. American Depositary Receipts are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker UL. The company does not have a controlling shareholder, and its shares are held primarily by institutional investors. Unilever simplified its dual-listed structure in 2020, consolidating its legal headquarters in the United Kingdom.
Who founded Unilever?
Unilever was formed in 1929 through the merger of Lever Brothers, a British soap company founded by William Hesketh Lever in 1885, and Margarine Unie, a Dutch margarine producer formed through the merger of the Jurgens and Van den Bergh companies in 1927. The founders of the predecessor companies include William Lever, James Darcy Lever, Antonius Johannes Jurgens, and Samuel van den Bergh.
Where is Unilever headquartered?
Unilever is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The company's registered office and principal executive offices are located in London. Unilever simplified its dual-listed structure in 2020, consolidating its legal headquarters in the United Kingdom and ending the separate Unilever N.V. Dutch entity. The company's shares continue to trade on both the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Amsterdam.
How many brands does Unilever own?
Unilever owns a portfolio of over 400 brands across four business groups: Beauty and Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, and Nutrition. The company's largest brands by revenue include Dove, Hellmann's, Knorr, Axe/Lynx, Rexona/Sure, Lipton, Vaseline, Domestos, and Cif. Following the 2025 demerger of its Ice Cream business, Unilever's portfolio no longer includes ice cream brands such as Magnum, Walls, Ben & Jerry's, and Breyers.
Who owns Unilever?
Unilever plc is a publicly traded company with no controlling shareholder. The company's shares are held primarily by institutional investors including major asset managers and index funds. No single shareholder holds a majority stake in Unilever. Fernando Fernandez serves as CEO, having been appointed in March 2025 following the departure of Hein Schumacher. The company's board includes a majority of independent non-executive directors.
- Founded: 1929
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: LSE: ULVR
Where Is Cif Made / Based?
- Headquarters: London, UK / Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Manufacturing / Operations: United Kingdom, France, Turkey, Global Unilever facilities
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- Sunsilk - Global hair care brand owned by Unilever, launched in 1954 in the United Kingdom...
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- Vaseline - American petroleum jelly and skincare brand owned by Unilever, known for its hea...
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Cif Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Decades of cleaning expertise backed by Unilever's extensive R&D investment
- +Strong global distribution through Unilever's established retail channels
- +Continuous innovation in cleaning technology and product formulations
- +Multi-surface product range for different cleaning needs
- +Premium quality assurance supported by corporate resources and scientific research
Considerations
- -Premium pricing compared to store-brand alternatives
- -Competition from other global cleaning brands and private labels
- -Dependency on Unilever's supply chain and corporate policies
- -Environmental impact of chemical cleaning formulations
- -Need to adapt to different consumer preferences and regulations across markets
Frequently Asked Questions About Cif
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