The European Commission fined Spanish canning manufacturer Riberebro 5.2 million euro because of cartel formation. The company agreed on prices with competitors regarding canned mushrooms.
The mushroom cartel was formed by Lutece, Prochamp and Bonduelle. In June 2014 these companies already reached a settlement with the EC for an amount of 32 million euro. Riberebro refused a settlement. In May last year, the Spanish canning manufacturer was given the opportunity to defend itself. In a press release on its website, Grupo Riberebro announced that it ‘fully cooperated’ with the investigation, and offered the investigators ‘maximum transparency.’ The company is considering to appeal against the fine.
“Access to food at competitive prices is essential in the European Economic Area,” says European commissioner Margrethe Verstager. “The canned mushroom cartel affected the sales of retailers, wholesalers and food service companies.”
Price agreements were reached on mushrooms in cans and jars, not on fresh or frozen mushrooms, which were sold in Europe under private label. The purpose of the members of the cartel was stabilising their market share and preventing the dropping of prices. They therefore exchanged sensitive information, agreed on minimum prices and volumes and distributed customers across their companies.
Riberebro was a member of the cartel from 10 September 2010 until 28 February 2012. The investigation into the mushroom cartel started unannounced inspections of the companies in February 2012.