One of Australia’s best-known food brands is merging with one of the country’s most popular juice companies and a dairy company.

SPC has been in business for more than 100 years and is one of Australia’s largest manufacturers of canned tomatoes, baked beans, canned spaghetti and fruit.

The company announced on the ASX that it would merge with The Original Juice Company and Nature One Dairy, a Singaporean baby food company.

The merger is expected to expand the juice company’s product base to offer more health-conscious foods and beverages.

The acquisition of the Singapore dairy business will help SPC expand into Asian markets.

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett will step down as chairman of the juice company.

He said agriculture was a central pillar of Australia’s national identity and the backbone of many regional cities.

“We should support companies like The Original Juice Company, SPC and NOD to continue to thrive in their mission to support local producers, employ Australians in our processing plants and produce iconic health products for consumers in Australia and abroad.

“I’m excited about the combined companies.”

SPC Chairman Hussein Rifai said their goal is to create better and healthier food for the future.

“Since acquiring SCP from Coca Cola, our strategy has been to firmly establish ourselves as a market leader in both the Australian and global markets,” he said.

“Building a strong foundation in our home market is critical to sustainable growth and success.

“Our immediate focus is on solidifying SPC’s position as a domestic market leader.

“This is the essential first step before implementing our broader global strategy, which targets key international markets, particularly in Asia, where we see significant growth.”