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.…