Investigation into abuse of power by Coca-Cola in Germany

Germany’s competition watchdog has launched an investigation into Coca-Cola Europacific Partners for possible abuse of its dominant market position. The beverage company claims it has acted correctly.

“Performance and compensation”

The German Federal Cartel Office suspects Coca-Cola Europacific Partners of abusing its dominant position in the retail market to the detriment of other manufacturers. The multinational allegedly offered retailers better purchasing conditions if they included the full product range in their offerings, which may have hindered its competitors.

The beverage producer is cooperating fully with the authorities: “We are convinced that the proven business model of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in Germany is legally consistent with a balanced price and condition concept. It is based on a fair principle of performance and compensation,” Andrea Weckwert, Vice President Legal at CCEP, told the trade journal Lebensmittel Zeitung.

About a year ago, German market leader Edeka also accused the soft drink producer of abuse of power once before, as Coca-Cola had stopped deliveries after disagreements over prices. However, the retailer was not vindicated in court.