The European Commission has launched an investigation into breaches against competition law by AB InBev, who allegedly used its dominant position in Belgium to counter the import of its own beers from cheaper markets.
Fine up to 10 % of turnover
According to the European Commission, AB InBev has a deliberate strategy to prohibit – as much as possible – the so-called parallel import of its own beers from cheaper countries like France and the Netherlands. The investigation will have to show that AB InBev alters its packaging on purpose, to make sure they cannot be sold as easily in other countries. If found guilty, AB InBev risks a fine up to 10 % of its total turnover.
“AB Inbev’s strong position on the Belgian beer market is not a problem. However, we want to make sure that there are no anticompetitive obstacles to trade in beer within the European Single Market. Keeping out cheaper imports of its beer from neighbouring countries would be both against the interests of consumers and anti-competitive“, European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a press release.
