Unilever acquires iconic business Weis

Posted by Andrea Hogan on 14th August 2017

Unilever has acquired Queensland’s Weis ice cream business and brands.

The acquisition price has not been revealed however Unilever says Weis will continue to be manufactured in Toowoomba in regional Queensland.

The origins of Weis go back to 1957 when Les Weis started selling the now iconic Fruito Bar. Weis later went on to produce a large range of sorbets, ice creams and frozen yoghurts that are sold in most Australian supermarkets and convenience stores.

Managing Director of Weis, Julie Weis, said her family decided to sell the business to Unilever as they demonstrated an understanding of the brand, its products and how important their team and the Toowoomba manufacturing site are to ensuring a successful future for Weis.

“In addition Unilever’s scale will enable greater market access and growth that will provide opportunities for our extended Weis family of staff, suppliers, customers and of course our wonderful consumers,” Julie said.

Business Founder, Les Weis, said Unilever will give Weis the push it needs.

“Learning about the many Founders involved in Unilever’s business right from its original founder William Lever through to Australia’s Edwin Street has greatly encouraged my wife Val and I, and the family, that Weis will be in good company and under long-term care with Unilever,” Les said.

“Val has always said to me ‘Business is like a wheelbarrow, it doesn’t go anywhere unless someone pushes it’ and I think Unilever will give Weis just the push it needs.”

Chief Executive Officer, Unilever Australia and New Zealand, Clive Stiff, said Unilever is committed to producing the same quality Weis products the Weis family has been producing for years.

“This acquisition will bring Weis the benefits of scale, strong market access and ice cream category expertise to help take the business to the next level in its growth,” Stiff said.

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