Banana cartel allegations resurface
The EU is investigating an alleged banana cartel in southern Europe – a year after finding companies including Dole Food Co. and Chiquita Brands International guilty of price-fixing in the north of the continent.
The European Commission said that it has issued a “statement of objections” to “a number of companies active in the import and marketing of bananas” over claims of a cartel.
The parties concerned, which according to a Commission spokesperson cannot be identified, can reply in writing or request an oral hearing.
Yesterday, Dole issued a statement that insisted it was not involved in these latest cartel allegations.
“Throughout the investigation preceding the issuance of the statement of objections, Dole cooperated with the European Commission in its inquiries, while maintaining that it had not violated European competition law,” the company said.
Last year, Dole agreed to pay a EUR45.6m (US$65.5m) fine in instalments for its role in a price-fixing cartel in northern Europe.
The Commission said Dole was among the companies that had formed a cartel to fix banana prices in eight EU markets, including Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden.
The European Commission fined banana importers Dole and Weichert a total of EUR60.3m after ruling that the two companies – alongside Chiquita Brands International – broke EU laws on price fixing.
just-food is the world’s leading portal for the global pre-packaged food and retail industries. Its daily mix of breaking news, views, analysis and research serves over 100,000 food executives each month. http://www.just-food.com/
American parent company of Arnott’s, Campbell Soup Company, has reported better than expected result...
PEPSI Co is on a drive to grow its healthy portfolio faster than its core 'treat' products. We talk ...
Confectionery giant, Mondelez International, announced it has terminated discussions with The Hershe...
Author: Brent Moore, Australian trade commissioner and consul at the Australian Consulate-General i...
Queensland University of Technology has launched a research project that will track Australian beef ...
Synlait has received registration that will allow the company to continue to export A2 Milk Company ...
Amazon moves closer to its goal of a drone delivery solution that scales to meet the needs of custo...
Walmart U.S.'s CEO, Greg Foran, who has played a key leadership role in reinventing Walmart's store...