Nortera, B&G Foods drop merger attempt after competition watchdog steps in

By: The Canadian Press Posted:

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Food giants Nortera and B&G Foods Canada are abandoning their proposed deal after the Competition Bureau sought to block the move.

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Food giants Nortera and B&G Foods Canada are abandoning their proposed deal after the Competition Bureau sought to block the move.

The two companies say Quebec-based Nortera has halted its bid to buy the Green Giant and Le Sieur brands of canned and frozen vegetables in Canada from New Jersey-based B&G Foods.

A Competition Bureau investigation in August found that the acquisition would likely harm competition through higher prices and fewer choices in the wholesale supply of those vegetables, which include freezer staples such as corn and peas.

The Competition Bureau logo is shown in Gatineau, Que., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
The Competition Bureau logo is shown in Gatineau, Que., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Interim competition commissioner Jeanne Pratt has noted that Nortera is already Canada’s dominant processor of many canned and frozen veggies, which it sells under the Del Monte and Arctic Gardens brands.

It has also been the exclusive producer of Green Giant and Le Sieur in Canada for 30 years, announcing in October 2025 a deal to buy the brands outright from B&G.

The two companies say B&G Foods will continue to own and operate Green Giant Canada and Nortera will remain its main co-manufacturer.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2026.

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