Unilever, the company behind the margarine spreads, Flora, Stork and I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter, is exploring the possible sale of the iconic brands as it looks at cost-cutting and restructuring.

The margarine and spreads category has been under pressure, with a slowdown in many markets as a result of changing behaviour among consumers. People are seeking to reduce their intake of trans fats, which have been linked to increased risk of heart disease, and are switching back to real butter. As a result, the European price of butter has increased some 80% over the past year.

Unilever’s decision to look at selling these brands comes following a $143bn takeover bid from Kraft Heinz which fell through last month. Unilever said the bid was too low and carried no “financial or strategic” merit.

A takeover would have been one of the biggest ever in corporate history.