Investigation by the Competition Authority into the 'hazelnut' market: 7 companies under the spotlight

The Competition Authority announced that an investigation was launched against 7 companies operating in the hazelnut buying and selling market.

According to the announcement of the institution, the investigation; Ferrero Hazelnut Imp. expulsion and Tic. AŞ, Atalay Fındık San. and Tic. Ltd. Şti., Balsu Gıda San. and Tic. AŞ, Karaçuha Agricultural Products Imp. expulsion Singing. and Tic. Ltd. Şti., Ofi Tarım San. and Tic. AŞ, Özyılmaz Fındık San. and Tic. AŞ and Şenocak Gıda Fındık Ent. Type. Transplant. Const. Singing. Tic. Ltd. Ltd. will be carried out about.

THE SUSPICION THAT THEY DETERMINED THE PRICES COORDINATELY

The Competition Authority stated that, in the preliminary research, it was decided to examine whether the companies affected the price formation in the hazelnut purchasing market by determining their hazelnut purchasing prices and purchasing policies in a coordinated manner.

The investigation will investigate whether the companies violated the Law on the Protection of Competition.

FERRERO'S COMMITMENTS WILL ALSO BE EXAMINED

Another part of the investigation is the Competition Board decision taken previously about Ferrero.

The Authority announced that it will also examine whether the commitments made binding on Ferrero with the decision dated March 7, 2024 have been complied with.

COMMITMENT NOT TO PURCHASE BELOW TMO PRICE

Ferrero's commitments covering the years 2024, 2025 and 2026 were grouped under three main headings.

Accordingly, the company should not purchase shelled hazelnuts below the reference price determined by the Soil Products Office (TMO).

Ferrero also committed to purchasing no more than 100 thousand tons of shelled hazelnuts each hazelnut season.

45 THOUSAND TONS CONDITION FOR THE SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER PERIOD

The company's third commitment includes purchasing at least 45 thousand tons of shelled hazelnuts in the September-December period of each year.

During the investigation process, the Competition Authority will evaluate both the behavior of the 7 companies in the hazelnut market and whether Ferrero complies with its previous commitments.