Knorr plans healthy ‘natural’ soup range

Unilever is understood to be planning to launch a range of “natural” soups under the Knorr brand later this year. Knorr Colour Soups will be made of ingredients of the same colour and will have no artificial colourings.

The range will come in five different colours and will be positioned as healthy as they claim to contain the skins of the vegetables used, making the range high in antioxidants and vitamins.

The range is expected to be supported with a TV, outdoor and press campaign as the product in launched. Markets are expected to include the UK, Germany and Mexico.

A spokesperson from Unilever was unable to confirm that the UK would be included in the initial launch. Since taking over two years ago, Unilever chief executive Patrick Cescau has invested heavily in developing an area of growth in “vitality”, a term for products related to healthy living. The company has increased advertising spending and research in this sector and added other healthier products.

Knorr has already been extended to the health category with the launch of the Vie Shot range in the UK in 2005 to make it easier for people to get the recommended five portions of fruit or vegetables per day.

The range has 100% natural ingredients and no added sugar or salt with each 100ml serving counting as one out of the five per day.