The subject goods imported from the United States are basically like those produced by Heinz. While there are some differences in ingredient and flavour combinations between the imports and Heinz products, there are no significant differences in terms of the nature of the products or their use. The designations denote different ingredient compositions and consistencies to suit the needs of growing infants. Certain kinds of baby foods were not included in the complaint and, therefore are not subject to the investigation. The goods are produced at its plant in Leamington, Ontario, along with a variety of other processed food products including infant cereals, ketchup, beans, pasta, and other tomato-based food products.
Canadian consumers purchase jarred baby food primarily from grocery and drug store retailers.
Dumping occurs when goods are imported into Canada at prices lower than those prevailing in the exporter's home market or at prices below their full costs. To determine whether the goods in question were dumped, both the exporter and the importer were requested to provide sales and cost information necessary to determine the normal values and export prices of the subject goods. Responses to the Department's requests for information were received from both parties and verification exercises were conducted at both the exporter's and importer's premises in order to verify the information provided. All products exported to Canada were produced at Gerber's plant in Fremont, Michigan. As such, sales and cost data were requested for goods sold in the U.S. market from this location which were like the products exported to Canada.