Canada Competition Bureau moves to block Nortera acquisition of Green Giant brands

Canada’s Competition Bureau has filed an application with the Competition Tribunal to block Nortera Foods’ proposed acquisition of the Green Giant and Le Sieur vegetable brands from U.S.-based B&G Foods.

The regulator argues that the merger would harm competition in the Canadian wholesale grocery supply market. Because Nortera is already a dominant processor of canned and frozen vegetables—producing brands such as Del Monte and Arctic Gardens—the Bureau contends that acquiring its major national competitor would lead to higher prices, fewer consumer choices, and increased barriers to entry for new businesses.

Nortera, which has been the exclusive producer of Green Giant and Le Sieur in Canada for 30 years, maintains that the deal is in the country’s best interests. The company argues the acquisition supports the long-term viability of domestic vegetable production amid pressure from imports. B&G Foods is seeking to divest these businesses as part of a broader strategy to reduce debt.