Flora Lighter spread

Flora is a renowned brand of spreads that was originally developed in the United Kingdom in 1964 by Unilever. It was created in response to medical professionals' requests for a heart-healthy alternative to traditional butter and lard, leading to the first sunflower-oil-based soft margarine. Over the decades, it became a staple in households across the UK and Ireland before expanding globally.

In 2018, Unilever sold its spreads division (including Flora) to the global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) for approximately €6.8 billion. The company was subsequently rebranded as Upfield and then again in 2024 as Flora Food Group. Flora Food Group is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is currently the world's largest producer of plant-based spreads and cheeses.

While the brand has UK roots, manufacturing is distributed across multiple locations to serve global markets. The UK and Irish markets are typically supplied by facilities in the United Kingdom or regional European hubs. As of 2026, the ultimate owner remains KKR, although the firm has reportedly explored potential sales or public listings for the Flora Food Group business following its successful transformation into a plant-focused leader.