CMA consults on fruit juice merger undertakings
The CMA is consulting on undertakings offered by Hain to address merger competition concerns arising from its purchase of Orchard.
Hain Frozen Foods UK Limited (Hain) and Orchard House Foods Limited (Orchard) are the only 2 suppliers of own-label freshly squeezed fruit juice to supermarket retailers. The companies are also 2 of the main suppliers of own-label freshly squeezed fruit juice to retailers such as cafes and restaurants. Hain bought Orchard in December 2015.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said in June that it would give detailed consideration to undertakings offered by Hain instead of referring the merger for an in-depth investigation.
Hain has since proposed to sell its own-label freshly squeezed fruit juice business to Multiple Marketing Limited.
The CMA has accepted in principle Hain’s proposed undertakings. Before reaching a final decision, it is inviting interested parties to comment on whether the proposed undertakings and the proposed buyer are appropriate to remedy the competition concerns that the CMA has identified.
Anyone wishing to respond to this consultation should do so in writing, by no later than 2 September 2016 to Maxwell Harris (maxwell.harris@cma.gsi.gov.uk).
The consultation on the undertakings and all other information relating to this investigation can be found on the case page.