The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has said it will not oppose soft drinks firm Coca-Cola Amatil’s (CCA) proposed acquisition of Australian fruit and vegetable processor SPC Ardmona.


ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said the proposed acquisition is unlikely to substantially lessen competition for the acquisition of deciduous canning fruit or canning tomatoes by SPC Ardmona as there is no overlap between the two companies’ operations. Furthermore, CCA has indicated to growers and the ACCC that it will maintain the Grower Liaison Committee.


Samuel also said there was unlikely to be any substantial lessening of competition in the supply of packaged food products, the supply of branded fruit beverages, or the supply of industrial products.