Italy antitrust fines snack producers for anti-competitive pact

The Italian Competition Authority has launched an investigation into Amica Chips and Pata, two major producers of private label crisps, for an alleged anti-competitive agreement involving pricing strategies and customer allocation. According to the Authority, the companies are suspected of coordinating price proposals submitted to national retail chains, including Esselunga, Carrefour, Coop, Conad, Lidl, Aldi, MD, and Penny, to maintain prices at an over-competitive level. The investigation was initiated following a report submitted through the Authority's whistleblowing platform in March 2024.

Inspections were conducted at the companies' offices and other relevant entities by the Authority and the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Financial Police. The alleged coordination is said to have significantly impacted competition in the private label chips market, which accounts for approximately 10% of the total Italian chips market. Amica Chips and Pata are reported to hold market shares of 24% and 29%, respectively, in the production of private label crisps. The Authority has emphasized that such agreements could distort competition and ultimately affect pricing for end consumers. The investigation is ongoing.