Italian prosecutors are investigating seven olive oil producers for fraudulently selling ordinary olive oil as highly prized extra-virgin.

Consumer goods giant Unilever today reported a better-than-expected start to the year after higher prices offset a fall in volumes.

THE giant multinational Unilever — which owns HB, Flora, Knorr, Sunsilk and Persil among other well-known products — has placed an advertising ban on skinny models.

Shares in consumer products giant Unilever were today testing eight-year highs amid a raft of takeover speculation surrounding the group.

Private equity group Permira was today said to be poised to make a bid for the frozen foods arm of Unilever which includes Birds Eye.