The Hungarian Competition Authority is inspecting tenders and documents to fight against public procurement cartels.Continue reading
The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) has launched a competition supervision procedure against Spar Hungary and Auchan Hungary in connection with the Polish food producer Maspex Group. GVH staff conducted unannounced on-site inspections at the headquarters of the two retail companies and seized data.
A competition supervision procedure was initiated against Maspex Olympos at the beginning of 2023. The Hungarian subsidiary of the Polish food manufacturer Maspex distributes brands such as Olympos, Kubu, Apenta, Topjoy, and Nestea in Hungary.
The company allegedly set minimum or fixed resale prices for the products it distributes in contracts with its partners, thereby restricting price competition in the market.
The Polish-owned company came under GVH scrutiny during a sectoral investigation completed in early 2023, which examined beverage procurement by hospitality businesses.
The GVH stated that, in the ongoing procedure, several Hungarian retail chains are involved in addition to Maspex, including Aldi, CBA, Coop, and Tesco. During the investigation, evidence came to light that justified extending the procedure to two additional retail chains: Spar Hungary and Auchan Hungary.
During the Monday raid, which required prior judicial authorization, the necessary data and evidence were seized.
It was also noted that the GVH is closely monitoring developments in the retail sector and food markets. On April 15, accelerated sectoral investigations were launched into the domestic markets of milk and dairy products, as well as table eggs, due to observed price fluctuations and increases in these product categories. In addition, the national competition authority is also taking action in the market of whole grain products on suspicion of unfair commercial practices.
Via MTI; Featured picture: Wikipedia