Food retailer Foodland Associated Ltd and its Progressive Enterprises unit are preparing “urgent representations” for the New Zealand cabinet and members of the NZ opposition parties, in reference to the government announcement yesterday that a court decision on 19 September to block regulatory approval for Foodland to buy a rival New Zealand supermarket chain Woolworths NZ Ltd would stand.


The Bill’s second and third reading formalities are expected to take place later this week.


Foodstuffs (Auckland) Ltd

, a unit of NZ’s dominant grocer Foodstuffs, took the issue to the appeals court when it appeared that Foodland would gain clearance for a buyout of Woolworths. Foodland alleges that this appeal was conducted simply to preserve Foodstuff’s dominance in the market. Foodstuffs controls over 50% of the sector.

Progressive meanwhile controls 21% and Woolworths NZ 19%.


Yesterday, Foodland called the government’s decision on its expected bid a “constitutional outrage” and that, in its view, “there is no legal, commercial or constitutional grounds to support Minister Swain’s intention to distinguish Progressive’s clearance from the 10 other clearances affected by the outcome of Foodstuff’s Court of Appeal proceedings”.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.