Unilever is pouring $270 million into a new R&D hub in New Haven, Connecticut, its largest U.S. research spend in decades. The center will focus on skin and hair formulas aimed at American shoppers and global markets. By locating the lab near major universities, the company hopes to accelerate product pipelines, strengthen its competitive edge, and tap local talent.

The investment follows Unilever’s strategic exit from slow‑moving food categories. Over the past two years it spun off its ice‑cream division, sold its tea business and is in the process of merging its condiment unit with McCormick, and streamline cost structures for better efficiency. Those moves leave beauty, wellness and personal‑care brands such as Dove, Nexxus and Olly to drive the bulk of revenue.

After the divestitures, roughly 95 % of Unilever’s $125 billion U.S. portfolio will sit in the beauty and personal‑care segment, sharpening its focus on higher‑margin categories. Analysts see the New Haven center as a tangible sign that the company is converting its portfolio reshuffle into product innovation, and reassure shareholders of growth prospects, a move that could lift profit margins in the near term.