Unilever bosses were repeatedly confronted by shareholders with concerns over the decision to merge its food business with US rival McCormick at a tense annual general meeting (AGM).

The board were forced to defend the £33.8 billion deal, which was agreed in March, at the meeting in London on Wednesday.

The joint venture will create a major food giant that combines brands such as Unilever’s Marmite with McCormick’s French’s mustard.

While Unilever and its shareholders will retain a 65% stake in the food business, McCormick will take on oversight of the business with eight of 12 seats on the board when the tie-up is completed by mid-2027.

During the AGM , several shareholders criticised Unilever’s bosses for approving the major deal without putting it to a shareholder vote.

Others shared concerns that Unilever’s historic leading position on sustainability could be weakened for the food business when it is folded into the separate entity.

Bosses argued that the board “unanimously supported” the move as a…