The Bureau found that the proposed transaction involving a dominant processor of certain canned and frozen vegetables in Canada is likely to lead to higher prices, fewer choices and less competition in the wholesale grocery supply
The Competition Bureau announced today that it has asked the Competition Tribunal to block Nortera Foods' proposed acquisition of B&G Foods Canada's Green Giant and Le Sieur brands. Nortera sells canned and frozen vegetables, including under the Del Monte and Arctic Gardens brands.
The Bureau also asked the Competition Tribunal to prevent the companies from closing the transaction until the Tribunal issues a decision on the matter.
The Bureau found that Nortera is already Canada's dominant processor of certain canned and frozen vegetables. The transaction would combine it with its only major national brand competitor and harm competition in an already highly concentrated market.
Canned and frozen vegetables are staple grocery items that Canadians rely on. Strong competition between suppliers helps keep prices affordable and ensures that consumers have a range of options at the grocery store.
A backgrounder provides additional information about the Bureau's review of this transaction.
