The basics:

• Canada’s Competition Bureau seeks to block B&G Foods‘ proposed sale of Green Giant, Le Sieur
• Watchdog says Nortera deal could lead to higher prices, fewer choices for Canadian consumers
• B&G Foods, Nortera disagree, will evaluate options
• Proposed sale is part of broader B&G effort to streamline its portfolio

Parsippany-based B&G Foods’ proposed sale of its Green Giant and Le Sieur businesses in Canada is coming under scrutiny by a competition watchdog group.

In an Aug. 19 announcement, the Canadian Competition Bureau said it seeks to bar Quebec-headquartered Nortera Foods‘ purchase of the frozen and shelf-stable vegetable lines. The attempt comes amid concerns the move could lead to higher prices, fewer choices and less innovation for consumers.

B&G announced plans to sell off the Green Giant and Le Sieur lines in Canada last fall as part of a broader effort to streamline its portfolio. At the time, B&G did not disclose financial terms of the deal with Nortera.

According to the companies, Nortera has been the exclusive manufacturer of Green Giant and Le Sieur in Canada for three decades. The Canadian vegetable processor has said the acquisition will complement its existing portfolio of brands, including Arctic Gardens and Del Monte.

Nortera has 11 plants in Canada and the U.S. It processes more than 400,000 tons of vegetables annually and employs over 3,000 workers.

Pending regulatory approval in Canada, the parties expected to close the acquisition by the second quarter of 2026.

Heated veggies

Ultimately, Canada’s Competition Tribunal will decide whether the transaction can proceed.

The bureau is seeking an order preventing Nortera and B&G from closing while the challenge is considered. It said any deal that would combine the company with its only major national brand competitor would “harm competition in an already highly concentrated market.” The bureau also noted Nortera’s position as the country’s “dominant processor of certain canned and frozen vegetables.”

Both companies will have the opportunity to present their case as the legal process moves forward.

We are taking action to preserve competition so that Canadians don’t pay more for basic necessities…
– Jeanne Pratt, interim Canadian Competition Bureau commissioner

“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,” the group said.

Interim Bureau Commissioner Jeanne Pratt said, “Our investigation found that this proposed transaction would weaken competition and likely lead to higher prices and fewer choices for staple items at the grocery store. We are taking action to preserve competition so that Canadians don’t pay more for basic necessities like canned and frozen vegetables.”

Pressure cooker

Nortera has defended the proposed acquisition. The company says the tie-up would strengthen its Canadian vegetable business and create efficiencies.

Succession plan

B&G Foods recently named Robert Mills as president and CEO. Meet the new leader here.

“At a time when the Canadian vegetable industry is facing increasing pressure from imports, maintaining strong domestic production and processing capacity is critical to the long-term resilience of Canada’s food supply,” the company said. “The transaction would help preserve that capacity, support Canada’s food security and food sovereignty, and provide greater long-term stability for the farmers and local partners who underpin this supply chain. For Nortera, this includes Canadian farmers and local partners, as well as the continued availability of high-quality vegetables grown and packed in Canada.

“These objectives are closely aligned with the Government of Canada’s recently launched National Food Security Strategy, which recognizes the importance of increasing domestic food production and processing, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, and building a stronger, more resilient Canadian food system,” Nortera added.

Nortera also said it is reviewing the bureau’s position and remains in discussions with B&G.

‘We are disappointed’

In a separate statement, B&G said, “We are disappointed and disagree with the decision of the Competition Bureau (Canada) … While we acknowledge the Competition Bureau’s position, we believe the available evidence supports that this transaction is in the best interests of all interested stakeholders, including the Canadian consumer.

While we acknowledge the Competition Bureau’s position, we believe the available evidence supports that this transaction is in the best interests of all interested stakeholders, including the Canadian consumer.
– B&G Foods statement

“As part of this ongoing process, we remain in discussions with Nortera and we are evaluating multiple options, including potential legal, regulatory and operational alternatives,” B&G continued. “We are committed to pursuing alternatives that are in the best interests of all interested stakeholders, including our employees, stockholders, customers and Canadian consumers, while maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.”

Slimming down

B&G’s lineup of more than 50 brands includes supermarket staples Cream of Wheat, Crisco, Dash, Ortega, Maple Grove Farms, McCann’s Irish Oatmeal and Polaner. As of 2025, the company had net sales of $1.83 billion.

Since 2022, B&G has offloaded several non-core brands. Sales include Back to Nature plant-based snacks, Don Pepino pizza sauce and Green Giant shelf-stable and frozen vegetables U.S. lines.

Earlier this year, B&G picked up bankrupt canned food maker Del Monte Foods’ broth and stock business in a deal worth $110 million. The acquisition expanded the buyer’s shelf-stable food portfolio with iconic pantry names such as College Inn and Kitchen Basics.