The Greek Competition Commission has launched a priority investigation into potential vertical collaborations in the supply, trade, and retail sale of various food products. This investigation aims to uncover any anti-competitive practices that may be occurring in horizontal or vertical collaborations within the market.

For this investigation, the General Directorate of Competition conducted on-site inspections in companies operating in these markets, including importers/distributors and nationwide retailers/supermarkets.

The legal framework governing this investigation is based on Greek competition law, specifically Law 3959/2011 and Articles 101/102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). These laws prohibit agreements or practices that restrict competition, unilateral practices that invite prohibited collaborations, and abusive exploitation of a dominant position.

Assigning a Rapporteur for the investigation triggers the procedural deadlines for making a decision, but it does not prejudge the content of the recommendation or the Commission's decision. The timeline for examining each case depends on factors such as complexity, volume of the administrative file, and the level of cooperation from the companies under scrutiny.