Competition restrictions in relation to the placement of beverages in the shelves of retail stores

This decision concludes an investigation into alleged restrictions on competition in relation to the placement of beverages on the shelves of retail stores. The decision is based on the Competition Authority's settlement with Ölgerðin Egil Skallagríms hf. and on the other hand Coca-Cola European Partners Ísland ehf.

With these settlements, which are unanimous, the companies agree to comply with certain conditions to ensure that new and smaller competitors are not exposed to competition barriers caused by larger competitors in connection with the placements of beverages on the shelves of retail stores.

The companies also agree that certain communications between them, which concerned the placement of products from them and their competitors in supermarkets, have violated the ban on co-operation between competitors. The companies also agree to pay administrative fines, a total of ISK 37 million, and it is based on the two companies being equally responsible for the conduct. When deciding on fines, it was of great importance that the case was not subject to continuous investigation and suffered from significant delays within the Competition Authority. The determination of fines also takes into account the companies' willingness to co-operate, which is reflected in the conclusion of the aforementioned settlements and other circumstances in the investigation of the case.