Coca-Cola Amatil puts SPC up for sale
COCA-COLA Amatil has decided to sell SPC following a review of the Victorian food unit.
Managing director Alison Watkins says Coca-Cola Amatil aimed to offload IXL jam and Taylor’s marinades as part of the SPC business, having halted their planned sale to Kyabram Conserves last month.
She said Coca-Cola Amatil believed there were growth opportunities open to SPC, such as entering new markets and creating products.
“The review has concluded that the best way to unlock these opportunities is through divestment, enabling SPC to maximise its potential with the benefit of the recent $100 million co-investment while Amatil sharpens its focus as a beverages powerhouse,” Ms Watkins said yesterday.
“There are no plans to close SPC: we see a positive future for the company as it continues to transform its operations.”
Coca-Cola Amatil, which has owned SPC since 2005, said it expected the business to record a fullyear loss in 2018 of approximately $10 million, resulting in an overall loss for its corporate, food and services segment.
Coca-Cola Amatil shares slumped by as much as 12 per cent in early trade, falling to a six-month low.
SPC employs about 220 fulltime workers at a plant in Shepparton and another 1100 people during the picking season.
It had been under review since August following a four-year investment program, with the Victorian Government pumping in $22 million of a total $100 million. Founded in Hobart by Henry Jones in 1891, IXL is the second highest selling jam brand in Australia behind the Heinz-owned Cottee’s.
SPC had announced it would divest the brand, along with Taylor’s, in January.