Unilever Ethiopia, which has operated in the country since 2015, has urged regulatory bodies to strengthen measures against counterfeit products bearing its trademarks. The company, which markets over 20 brands including Signal toothpaste, Lifebuoy, and OMO, highlighted the issue during a collaboration with the Ethiopian Association of Dentists and the Ministry of Health to mark World Oral Health Day.
Degsew Amanu, Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager at Unilever Ethiopia, confirmed that smuggled and simulated products are circulating in the market without authorization. “While we follow strict standards and trademark protocols, counterfeit items still emerge,” he stated. “We are working with government stakeholders to address this, but challenges persist.”
Unilever has reported cases of products sold under its name without approval, including smuggled items. The company has collaborated with regulatory bodies to remove such products from the market, though enforcement remains uneven.
The announcement coincided with Unilever’s Signal brand initiative to promote oral hygiene through its “Day and Night Teeth Brushing” movement. The program aims to instill sustainable hygiene habits, particularly among children, and has reached millions of students across 288 schools nationwide.
Degsew emphasized Unilever’s commitment to quality and public health: “Our focus is not just on producing advanced products but also on fostering awareness. Oral health is critical, and we are working to make brushing teeth a daily habit.”
With over 120 years of global operations, Unilever manages 400+ brands, including Knorr, Lux, and Geisha. In Ethiopia, its portfolio spans personal care, home care, and food products. The company’s Dukem manufacturing facility, established in 2019, underscores its long-term investment in the country’s economy.
Unilever Ethiopia reiterated its adherence to domestic standards and urged consumers to verify product authenticity by checking trademarks and expiration dates. The company’s efforts align with broader regional campaigns, such as Unilever Pakistan’s partnership with Brand Protection System (BPS) to combat counterfeit goods.
