Of the 234 companies spanning 24 industries, Unilever (owner of Helmann's, Knorr and Marmite) was crowned the overall winner for the third time with 99.3 points - 12 points ahead of the category’s runner-up, the Kerry Group with 87.15 points and overall position no. 21.
Complied by Professor Mike Brown and Leeds Business School, judges said: “A massive 12 points ahead of second-placed Kerry Group, Unilever is winner for the third time of Britain’s Most Admired Company. It may have been a tough year for the Marmite to Persil CPG big beast, but having successfully fought off the $143bn hostile Kraft Heinz takeover bid, it’s reputation among its peers stands higher than ever.
“It has also won the criteria awards for Quality of Marketing, and Community and Environmental Responsibility. Cheap and cheerful fashion chain Primark is still accounting for some 50% of diverse ABF’s £1.3bn profit. Clucked-up chicken business 2 Sisters Food Group brings up the rear in this sector.
Following the Kerry Group in second position, Associated British Foods earned a score of 86.11 at number 28 overall; Greencore Group at 56 with a score of 83.14; and Glanbia in 76th place with 80.78 points.