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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.

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CCA fines TRGOCENTAR from Zabok EUR 13,272 for imposing unfair trading practices

The Croatian Competition Agency (CCA) fined Trgocentar d.o.o., Zabok HRK 100,000 (EUR 13,272.28) for the serious infringement of the Croatian Act on the prohibition of unfair trading practices in the business-to-business food supply chain (UTPs Act). The investigation showed that Trgocentar used its strong bargaining power and imposed unfair practices on one of its fresh egg suppliers.

The CCA opened ex officio infringement proceeding against the buyer – reseller Trgocentar within the meaning of the UTPs Act with the view to establishing whether this buyer of fresh chicken eggs used its strong bargaining power and imposed unfair trading practices on its supplier.

The investigation found that in the period from 20 January 2022 to 20 July 2022 Trgocentar made payments for perishable agricultural and food products, later than 30 days after the delivery over the period exceeding 30 days with respect to 62 out of 66 analysed invoices.

Considering the gravity, the scope and the duration of the infringement, the consequences for the supplier, and a number of extenuating circumstances, such as the statements and evidence provided by Trgocentar proving that it ceased the illegal behaviour and made payments to the supplier within the set payment deadlines, it was imposed a fine in the amount of HRK 100,000 (EUR 13,272.28). The CCA finds that the fine would have a deterrent effect not only on Trgocentar but also on other actors in the food supply chain.