The Italian competition authority has initiated an investigation into local crisp manufacturers Amica Chips and Pata, following allegations of price coordination between the two companies.
In a formal announcement, Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) disclosed that the investigation included raids on the companies’ facilities. This inquiry was prompted by information from a whistleblower.
According to the AGCM, “The two companies would have coordinated the price proposals to be presented to the large-scale retail chains for the sale, at a national level, of the chips produced.” The regulator noted that the focus of the investigation is the alleged agreement, which restricts competition regarding the production and marketing of private-label chips manufactured for major retail chains.
Local media source Il Fatto Alimentare reported that the implicated large-scale retail chains potentially include Esselunga, Carrefour, Aldi, and Lidl. The AGCM further elaborated, stating that “The two companies, according to the AGCM, would have coordinated to distribute customers among themselves, thus keeping prices at a supra-competitive level.”
As part of this ongoing investigation into the food and beverage industry trends, the AGCM collaborated with the Special Antitrust Unit of the Guardia di Finanza to conduct inspections at both firms’ main offices, as well as at a third party who may possess relevant information.
In the dynamic landscape of the food and drink business, maintaining competitive pricing practices is essential. Any instance of collusion poses significant risks, not only to consumer trust but also to the integrity of market competition. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how these developments impact food and drink consumer trends within the broader market landscape.
