EC To Probe Bonduelle Over Canned-Vegetable Price Collusion

The European Commission has confirmed that it has launched a probe into a possible price collusion i…

The European Commission has confirmed that it has launched a probe into a possible price collusion in the market for own-label canned mushrooms. On 19 May the Bonduelle Group received a statement of objection from Brussels regarding anti-competitive practices. A spokesperson said the Commission has since sent out a statement of objections to a number of producers, but declined to elaborate further.

The statement follows the initiation of infringement proceedings on 9 April 2013 against different companies in the canned-mushroom market sold under retailer brands in the European Economic Area.

Bonduelle, when requested to comment on the matter, said it "will submit its observations in response to the statement of objections."

The probe concerns trading during 2006-12, according to Bonduelle spokeswoman Catherine Richard, who claimed her company only entered the market through an acquisition in 2010.

The European Commission's anti-competition watchdog can impose a fine of up to 10% of a company's annual worldwide turnover if EU laws have been breached.

Bonduelle produces a range of processed vegetables. For over 70 years Bonduelle has experienced rapid, steady growth in the canned and frozen vegetables industry. Their products are sold through traditional distribution channels (supermarkets, mini-markets, etc.) and through catering circuits (restaurants, institutional food service, school dining halls, staff canteens, etc.).