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The Hellenic Competition Commission imposed fines on three supplier companies, acting as importers and representatives of well-known infant product brands, after finding them to be involved in price-fixing.<\/p>\n
According to the findings of the investigation, these companies forced retailers purchasing their products, such as baby bottles and pacifiers, to sell them at fixed prices, in clear violation of competition laws.<\/p>\n
The suppliers closely monitored their retail partners to ensure compliance with the imposed pricing strategy and did not hesitate to intervene when any deviation occurred.<\/p>\n
At one of those companies, employees were specifically assigned to continuously track product prices across both physical and online stores. Additionally, retailers who complied with the fixed pricing policy would report competitors offering lower prices.<\/p>\n
The company also took direct action against non-compliant retailers, including canceling orders until they agreed to adjust their prices.<\/p>\n
The companies attributed these practices to financial pressures in the sector, citing the sharp decline in birth rates in Greece, from 120,000 births in 2009 to just 76,000 in 2023, as a major contributing factor.<\/p>\n
As a result of these violations, the Competition Commission imposed fines on the three companies amounting to \u20ac165,822, \u20ac108,253, and \u20ac40,314, respectively.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n