Goodman Fielder seeks clearance to acquire 'Yoplait' yogurt business from Lion

New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Goodman Fielder New Zealand Limited to acquire assets related to the manufacture and distribution of ‘Yoplait’ branded yogurt in New Zealand from Lion - Dairy & Drinks (NZ) Limited.

Goodman Fielder is a food company operating across New Zealand, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region. In New Zealand, Goodman Fielder produces a range of dairy, bread, and grocery items, including yogurt under the brands Meadow Fresh, Activate Probiotic, Naturalea, Kalo, and Puhoi Valley.

Lion is a food and beverage company in Australia and New Zealand owned by Kirin Holdings Company Limited. Lion’s New Zealand business includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, dairy drinks, and the manufacture and distribution of yogurt under the Yoplait brand.

Lion currently has a licence from Sodima (a French company) to use the Yoplait brand in New Zealand. As well as acquiring manufacturing and distribution assets from Lion, Goodman Fielder intends to obtain a licence from Sodima such that it would be the exclusive supplier of Yoplait yogurt in New Zealand.