Coca-Cola Amatil sets sights on cordial maker
Coke bottler in Australia and New Zealand, Coca-Cola Amatil, has applied to the competitive watchdog in New Zealand for approval of a proposed takeover of cordial maker Baker Halls.
Baker Halls, owned by the Old Fashioned Foods Group, is the number one selling fruit juice syrup in New Zealand and their owner has reportedly agreed to a sale of their hot-fill bottling production line, brands and associated business assets of cordial products, bearing the brands Baker Halls and Barker Halls Originals. Coca-Cola Amatil still requires clearance from the Commerce Commission, NZ’s competition watchdog, with the decision due on December 19.
A purchase of Baker Halls would provide CCA with a much stronger presence in the cordials sector and offers an expansion opportunity in the non-carbonated beverage sector – one of the five pillars they have listed as drivers of future growth.
