Unilever is in talks to separate its food business and combine it with McCormick & Company, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.

The discussions would involve splitting off Unilever's food division, which includes brands like Knorr soups and Hellmann's mayonnaise, and merging it with McCormick, the spice and seasoning company known for products like Old Bay seasoning.

Under the potential arrangement, the remaining Unilever company would focus on its beauty, personal-care products and home care divisions. This would represent a significant restructuring for the British-Dutch consumer goods giant, which has been exploring strategic options for various business units.

The talks reflect broader trends in the consumer goods industry, where companies have been divesting non-core assets to focus on their most profitable segments. Unilever's food business has been considered a candidate for separation as the company looks to streamline its portfolio.

Neither Unilever nor McCormick immediately responded to requests for comment about the reported discussions. The talks are ongoing and there is no guarantee they will result in a transaction.