March 19 (Reuters) - Unilever ( UL ) is in talks to

separate its food business and combine it with spice maker

McCormick ( MKC ) in an all-stock deal that could come within

weeks, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing

sources.

A deal, if it succeeds, could bring brands such as

Unilever's ( UL ) Hellmann's mayonnaise and Maryland-based McCormick's ( MKC )

iconic Cholula hot sauce under one roof.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The

companies did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for

comment.

Unilever ( UL ) has been weighing a broader separation of ​its food

assets, several news outlets reported this week, as the consumer

goods maker plans to streamline its business.

Food companies have been struggling with weak demand as

budget-conscious consumers cut back on spending and opt for

cheaper store brands, while the rising adoption of weight-loss

drugs has also curbed overall consumption.

Last year, Reuters reported that the Dove soap maker was

considering selling British brands including Marmite, Colman's

and Bovril to streamline Unilever's ( UL ) portfolio and focus on

beauty and wellbeing.

McCormick ( MKC ), which in January forecast weak profit for 2026

due to higher tariff-related costs, has a market value of around

$14.51 billion, while London-based Unilever ( UL ) is valued at more

than $134 billion, according to LSEG-compiled data.

The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that Unilever ( UL ) and

Kraft Heinz ( KHC ) had recently held talks over a potential

merger of parts of their food businesses, but those discussions

have since ended.