The partnership between Rholab and Unilever demonstrates how strategic collaboration, innovative technology, and operational excellence can turn major eCommerce challenges into high-impact success stories. Together, the two companies rebuilt Unilever’s eCommerce distribution network, cleared critical order backlogs, streamlined supply chain operations, and strengthened retailer confidence setting new industry benchmarks in speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
A New Era of Distribution — Unilever Partners With Rholab
In November 2023, supplier delays caused a massive operational disruption for Unilever. Thousands of products went unfulfilled, and multiple SKUs had to be temporarily removed from digital shelves across major e-tailers.
To solve this, Unilever onboarded Rholab in February 2024 to clear the backlog, reorganize stock, and rebuild their eCommerce distribution flow. Rholab exceeded all expectations, achieving 200% of the assigned target within weeks and restoring supply chain stability faster than projected.
Within the same quarter, Rholab became Unilever’s largest eCommerce distributor, managing 65% of the total eCommerce distribution business.
Milestones Achieved in Record Time
The Challenge
Unilever set aggressive benchmarks, demanding rapid turnaround and strict performance delivery.
The Outcome
Rholab not only met these expectations, they doubled the performance target within two weeks.
E-tailer Network Expansion
Rholab successfully strengthened and expanded Unilever’s e-tailer network, optimizing product distribution and ensuring each partner received timely, organized fulfillment.
Brands Managed by Rholab
Rholab handled eCommerce distribution for major Unilever brands, including:
Clear • Comfort • Domex • Dove • Energile • Glaxose • Glow & Handsome • Glow & Lovely • Hellmann’s • Knorr • Lifebuoy • Lux • Ponds • Rafhan • Rin • Sunlight • Sunsilk • Surf Excel • Tresemme • Vim
Key Service Areas
- Karachi
- Islamabad
Rholab provided full-scale eCommerce services across these key operational regions.
Understanding the Partners
Rholab
A leading eCommerce fulfillment and digital solutions company offering:
- Distribution & eCommerce supply chain services
- Warehousing & fulfillment
- Technology development (OMS, WMS, TMS)
- Digital & performance marketing
- End-to-end marketplace and D2C support
Unilever
A global consumer goods leader operating in 190+ countries, known for:
- Strong supply chain infrastructure
- Sustainability-focused operations
- Portfolio of personal care, home care, and food & beverage brands
Key Challenges Unilever Faced
Massive Order Backlog
Thousands of pending orders and halted operations created urgency and pressure from e-tailers.
Stock Reorganization Issues
Mixed inventory, SKU mismatches, and updated product codes made warehousing extremely complex.
Delayed Deliveries & Unmet Demand
E-tailers faced delays, risking consumer trust and brand reputation.
Rholab’s Solution — A Full Transformation
Rholab rebuilt Unilever’s distribution framework using a dynamic, technology-driven eCommerce distribution model.
Backlog Clearance & Stock Segregation
- Sorted and reorganized all incoming stock with precision
- Managed daily SKU code variations
- Ensured correct allocation for e-tailers
Integrated Fulfillment Through Distrho
Unilever used Rholab’s advanced SaaS platform Distrho, which integrates:
- Order Management System (OMS)
- Warehouse Management System (WMS)
- Transportation Management System (TMS)
This created real-time accuracy in inventory, routing, and fulfillment.
Sustainable Distribution Optimization
Aligned with Unilever’s sustainability goals:
- Route optimization to reduce carbon footprint
- Eco-friendly packaging practices
Results & Impact
Backlog Cleared Successfully
Unilever’s massive backlog was resolved within the required timeline, restoring operational flow and improving retailer relations.
Faster, More Accurate Distribution
With OMS + WMS + TMS integration:
- Inventory accuracy improved
- Dispatch errors dropped
- Delivery timelines improved significantly
Expanded Retailer Network
Rholab enabled Unilever to enter new micro-markets and serve larger customer volumes.
Optimized Supply Chain System
Clear segregation processes reduced SKU confusion and improved stock traceability.
Higher Customer Satisfaction
Faster, accurate deliveries restored trust among e-tailers and improved customer experience.
Strategic Growth Leadership
Rholab is now the top contributor to Unilever’s eCommerce distribution, handling 65% of operations.
Conclusion
The Rholab–Unilever collaboration stands as a powerful example of how strategic partnership, operational discipline, technology integration, and innovative thinking can solve complex supply chain challenges.
This partnership:
- Increased operational efficiency
- Strengthened eCommerce readiness
- Improved sustainability practices
- Increased customer and retailer satisfaction
- Positioned Rholab as a long-term strategic partner
Rholab is ready to help brands unlock similar growth and distribution excellence. Transform your eCommerce operations partner with Rholab today.
FAQs Rholab X Unilever
What made Unilever choose Rholab for eCommerce distribution?
Unilever selected Rholab due to its strong fulfillment network, advanced OMS/WMS technology, and proven ability to manage large-scale inventory challenges.
How quickly did Rholab clear the backlog for Unilever?
Rholab achieved 200% of the target within two weeks, clearing thousands of pending items.
What technologies were used in this partnership?
The partnership used Distrho, Rholab’s SaaS platform for OMS, WMS, and TMS, enabling complete visibility and accuracy across operations.
How did this partnership improve customer satisfaction?
Improved delivery speed, better inventory accuracy, and fewer stockouts led to higher satisfaction among e-tailers and end consumers.
Is Rholab now Unilever’s primary eCommerce distributor?
Yes, Rholab currently handles 65% of Unilever’s eCommerce distribution, making it the largest partner.
