Unilever & Accenture expand AI partnership to boost efficiency

Unilever and Accenture have expanded their strategic partnership to simplify Unilever's digital core and apply generative AI, aiming to drive efficiencies and enhance business agility.

According to the companies, the multi-year initiative is intended to set a new industry standard in generative AI-powered productivity.

Unilever plans to leverage Accenture's GenWizard platform, which has more than 350 patents and ready-to-apply tools and frameworks. This platform will reportedly help Unilever accelerate technology and digital product development. The partnership will scale effective generative AI use cases across Unilever's global operations with a focus on cost reductions and operational efficiencies.

Hein Schumacher, CEO of Unilever, commented on the significance of the initiative, stating, "We have already introduced 500 AI applications across Unilever, helping us to reach new levels of efficiency. But as AI matures and becomes increasingly intelligent and intuitive, we see so much more potential.

"Now, as part of our action plan to deliver faster growth, drive productivity, and dial-up performance, we’re going deeper," Schumacher said.

"With the help of Accenture’s world-class tools and capabilities, we will be able to analyze where and how AI can have the highest transformational impact and deliver the greatest returns."

Accenture's GenWizard platform is designed to create a comprehensive solution for various technology business objectives. Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture, elaborated on the partnership's broader implications. "This next exciting chapter in our decades-long collaboration with Unilever will raise the bar on how enterprises can scale gen AI to power productivity and value at speed.

"Accenture's GenWizard platform will enable Unilever to create a full spectrum of targeted gen AI solutions across its business that can realise efficiencies and cost savings, uncover new ways of working and ultimately help drive competitive advantage," she said.

The initiative builds on previously announced efforts to explore applications and scale generative AI within Unilever's operations. Since the initial phase, Unilever has focused on identifying and testing new AI concepts, designs, and projects from its Horizon3 Labs.

Unilever, a major supplier in the beauty, personal care, home care, nutrition, and ice cream sectors, operates in over 190 countries with products used by 3.4 billion people daily. The company employs 128,000 individuals and reported sales of nearly GBP £59.6 billion in 2023.

Accenture, a global professional services company, aids leading businesses, governments, and other organisations in building their digital core, optimising operations, accelerating revenue growth, and enhancing citizen services. The firm has approximately 750,000 employees and serves clients in more than 120 countries.