Communication
The aim of the protection of market competition is primarily to create benefits for consumers and equal conditions for all entrepreneurs on the market, who, acting in accordance with the existing rules and competing on the market with the quality, price and innovation of their products and services, contribute to the overall development of the economy.
Unfair trading practices in food supply chain: CCA opens proceeding against buyer LIDL HRVATSKA
The Croatian Competition Agency (CCA) opened infringement proceedings within the meaning of the Act on prohibition of unfair trading practices in the business-to-business food supply chain (UTPs Act) with the view to identifying whether the buyer LIDL HRVATSKA d.o.o. k.d., Velika Gorica, used its strong bargaining power and imposed unfair trading practices on its suppliers of agri and food products.
The proceedings were initiated following the receipt of an anonymous complaint, on the basis of which the CCA determined that there were sufficient grounds to initiate proceedings ex officio, in light of indications that the buyer had engaged in business practices contrary to the provisions of the UTPs Act.
The CCA notes here that the mere opening of an administrative procedure against an undertaking does not mean that the practices at issue constitute unfair trading practices.
Thus, the CCA will investigate into the content and the nature of the business deals between the buyer and its suppliers of agri and food products and only then it shall make its decision on the merit of the case, considering all the relevant facts of the case and concrete evidence that substantiate the indications based on which the procedure has been opened in the first place.
In line with its confidentiality obligation, the CCA cannot give comments or provide any information about an ongoing case.
The final decision of the CCA will be published on this website.