New Zealand’s competition authority has approved Kraft Heinz’s acquisition of the food and instant coffee business of Suntory-owned Cerebos Gregg’s, subject to a divestment of several sauce brands.
The Commerce Commission ruled that Kraft Heinz would have to divest the licenses for the Gregg’s brand of tomato ketchup, steak sauce, barbecue sauce and the F. Whitlock Worcestershire sauce brand due to competition concerns.
The Commission considered competition issues regarding the manufacture, import and wholesale supply of a number of table sauces to supermarkets and the food service industry.
However, the Commission was satisfied that there were no competition concerns with regards to the acquisition of Asian sauces, condiments, chilli sauce, gravies, powdered beverages, and soy sauce.
Cerebos Gregg’s will join Kraft Heinz’s New Zealand-based Heinz Wattie division as a result of the acquisition.
Chairman of the Commerce Commision Dr Mark Berry said: “We believe the merger of the number one and two wholesale suppliers to supermarkets of red sauce, barbecue sauce, steak sauce and Worcestershire sauce would be likely to result in a substantial lessening of competition in each of these markets.
“However, we consider the divestment offered by Heinz Wattie’s is sufficient to remedy the competitive harm the merger would cause and we have given clearance to the merger subject to the divestment undertaking.”
Source: FoodBev
Diageo has today (10 November 2025) announced the appointment of Dave Lewis to the role of CEO and executive director, effective 1 January 2026. Lewis steps into the role following the departure of former CEO Debra Crew, who stepped down in July. Nik Jhangiani, the company’s chief financial officer, has been serving as interim CEO since.
Before joining TBG, Chibe served as CEO of Pabst Brewing Company. His previous roles include president and CEO of Ferrero North America, US chief marketing officer at Anheuser-Busch InBev and senior leadership positions at Wrigley.
Located in Southern Minas Gerais, the brewery aims to enhance the company’s supply chain by bringing production closer to key consumer hubs in Brazil’s Southeast region. With an initial capacity of up to five hectolitres per year, the plant will produce Heineken and Amstel products – both 100% pure malt brands.
