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EU Launches Preliminary Probe Into Coca Cola

By  |  May 23, 2021

EU antitrust regulators have launched a preliminary investigation into Coca Cola, the European Commission stated on Friday, May 21.

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    “We can confirm that the Commission has sent out questionnaires, as part of its preliminary investigation into Coca Cola,” a Commission spokeswoman said.

    “The preliminary investigation is ongoing. We cannot comment on or predict its timing or outcome,” she said, declining to provide further details.

    “While we will co-operate fully with the Commission, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further while the process is on-going. We abide by European competition law, as well as all other applicable laws and regulation,” a Coca Cola spokesman said.

    Lobbying group EuroCommerce, whose members include Carrefour, Ikea, Metro, and Tesco, stated the sales practices of some large multinational brands were a concern to retailers and wholesalers.

    “We have for many years pointed to the problems our sector faces with the makers of ‘must-have’ products using their market power to impose unilateral conditions and limit competition to their advantage,” EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren said in a statement.

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