Unilever to close Bulgaria ice cream plant, shift production to Romania

USA – Unilever has announced plans to close its ice cream production facility in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, as part of a broader restructuring strategy. 

Production from the Bulgarian site will be relocated to other facilities within Unilever’s network, including the Betty Ice plant in Suceava, Romania, by April 2025.  

A report from the company stated that this consolidation effort is aimed at optimizing production synergies and improving operational efficiency across the region. 

The decision is in line with Unilever’s long-term strategy to enhance sustainability and ensure that its manufacturing processes remain competitive in an evolving market.  

According to company representatives, the transition will allow for greater efficiency in ice cream production while aligning with global trends favoring environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. 

The company emphasized that the move is part of a continuous effort to evaluate and adapt its operations to changing industry demands.

 “This decision comes with the plan to facilitate production synergies and ensure sustainable development of the division operations for long-term future fit,” Unilever stated.

Despite the closure, Unilever has assured stakeholders that Bulgarian consumers will continue to have access to the same variety of ice cream products. 

The company intends to sustain its presence in the region by maintaining its investment in product availability and ensuring that consumers’ needs are met without disruption.  

Industry analysts note that the restructuring reflects a growing trend among global food manufacturers to consolidate operations in pursuit of cost efficiencies and sustainability. 

The shift of production to Romania underscores Unilever’s strategy of centralizing manufacturing in key locations to strengthen its regional supply chain.  

Unilever also highlighted that it will continue monitoring its worldwide operations to assess opportunities for further improvements. 

The company remains focused on balancing economic viability with sustainable growth, reinforcing its commitment to long-term operational efficiency.  

While the decision marks a significant change for Unilever’s operations in Bulgaria, the company has reiterated its focus on maintaining product availability and delivering a positive impact in the region.