Competition Council Fines Profi, Produce Supplier With RON16.7M For Price Fixing

04.28.2011 By Andrei Circhelan

The Romanian Competition Council has fined with a total 16.7 million lei (EUR4.1 million) local companies Interfruct, Albinuta Shops and Profi Rom Food for fixing the retail price of fruits and vegetables.

The Romanian Competition Council has fined with a total 16.7 million lei (EUR4.1 million) local companies Interfruct, Albinuta Shops and Profi Rom Food for fixing the retail price of fruits and vegetables.

An investigation started in October 2009 has revealed that the three companies agreed to let supplier Interfruct set the shelf prices of produce sold in the Profi stores owned by Albinuta Shops and Profi Rom Food.

The understanding between Interfruct and Profi unfolded over one year, while the Interfruct and Albinuta agreement went on for two years, targeting fresh produce, except bananas.

Thus, Interfruct was fined RON1.8 million, Albinuta Shops RON2.6 million and Profi Rom Food RON12.3 million.

Profi said they reserve the right to challenge the decision in court, since there were no legal violations, and the competition authorities allegedly ignored evidence contributed by the company to the investigation. (EUR1=RON4.076)