Edeka in the crisis: Cartel office is investigating abuse of market power!

Edeka in the crisis: Cartel office is investigating abuse of market power!

A storm in the supermarket: Edeka faces serious allegations of the Federal Cartel Office, while the retail giant tries to establish itself as a competitor of Rewe in the Payback system. Edeka separated from the DeutschlandCard in advance to switch to Payback for its subsidiaries net and market purchase, which is a significant step in the company's history. However, the joy of this milestone is clouded by the investigation by the Federal Cartel Office, which was initiated on suspicion of abuse of market power. According to the “Lebenschaftszeitung”, Edeka, in particular brand manufacturers, has requested up to two percent of the total turnover to participate in the Payback bonus program, which causes a sensation, as the berlin-live.de page reports.

The so -called "ban on putty" is the focus of the investigation. This ban prevents dominant companies, such as EDEKA, prevents their power by demanding inappropriate payments from suppliers without offering appropriate consideration. In addition to the two percent for large brand manufacturers, EDEKA also claimed a participation of 0.5 to 1.5 percent of sales from manufacturers of his own brands. In return, EDEKA promises "new access options to attractive and personalized marketing products", which does not make the situation easier for the suppliers concerned, as Chip.de explains. The brand association has now welcomed the investigations by the cartel office and sees it a success of its efforts.

Edeka did not want to comment on the ongoing investigation, which the observers only make even more curious. While the company hopes for clarification of the allegations, the industry looks forward to the future development in this case. Regardless of the applicable administrative procedure, which does not automatically lead to a fine, there could be a prohibition or other legal consequences for Edeka if the suspicion is confirmed. The situation remains tense and the customers observe the developments.