Unilever Unites to Support Humanitarian Aid in South Asia; Action on the Ground in South Asia Supported by Donation from Unilever North America.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. -- Unilever in North America today pledged its support of the humanitarian aid effort for the victims of the tsunami that struck South East Asia on December 26, 2004. Unilever, which is headquartered in London and Rotterdam, has so far concentrated its efforts where it can make the most immediate difference - on the ground in the affected countries. Additionally, the company has set up its own Tsunami Disaster Fund that allows employees around the world to voluntarily donate with a company match, and is also working with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations World Food Program to effectively channel donations to the most appropriate local relief programs.

In the United States and Canada, Unilever is contributing $2 million to be distributed equally ($500,000 each) to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, the UN World Food Program, the American Red Cross, and AmeriCares to assist in meeting the urgent needs of those affected. In addition, the company will match employee donations to the Tsunami Disaster Fund on a two-for-one basis, two dollars for every one dollar contributed.

"On behalf of Unilever employees in the United States and Canada, our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have been affected by this unprecedented and horrible tragedy," said John Rice, President Unilever Foods North America and head of the Unilever U.S. Foundation. "The disaster undoubtedly touched all of us in some way here in North America as well as throughout the world and we hope our efforts will help to ease some of the immediate suffering in Asia."

Harish Manwani, President Unilever Home & Personal Care North America added, "Unilever is committed to doing its part to help the recovery and rebuilding efforts brought on by this devastating tragedy."

Globally, Unilever's extensive distribution networks were immediately made available for the entire World Food Program food supply to help ensure that disaster relief could be distributed to people in affected areas. The company's networks have also been utilized to distribute medical supplies from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to the affected areas.

Relief efforts from other countries where Unilever does business are already underway.

Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer products companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers make 150 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a portfolio of brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life.

In the United States these brands include recognized names such as: Axe, "all," Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Eternity by Calvin Klein, Hellmann's, Lipton, Knorr, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of Unilever. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever has 230,000 employees in almost 100 countries and generated annual sales of $48.4 billion in 2003. For more information visit www.unilever.com